Pretty Reckless singer tells MTV News, ‘Evanescence was one of the first shows I ever went to.’ By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker, with reporting by Matt Elias Taylor Momsen Photo: MTV News For Taylor Momsen , sharing the stage with Evanescence is “surreal.” “Evanescence was one of the first shows I ever went to,” the singer and former “Gossip Girl” actress told MTV News last week, right before her band, the Pretty Reckless , opened for Evanescence at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. “I’m a big fan of Evanescence, so it’s really exciting to be opening for them,” she told us. The accolades went both ways: Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee had nothing but nice things to say about the young rocker. “She’s got a great voice; she’s real sweet,” Lee said with a smile, laughing that being one of Momsen’s first concerts makes her feel “old, but very, very flattered.” The 18-year-old Momsen has been on tour since her band’s debut album, Light Me Up, was released last year. “We’ve been touring a lot overseas lately, so it’s definitely a lot of fun to be back in the States,” she told us. Describing her band’s performance style, Momsen revealed, “We never really have a set list. We kind of go up and play whatever and work it out onstage. It keeps it exciting that it’s different every night.” As far as writing material for a second album, she said, “We’re always writing. We’re just figuring out now how to write on the road, which is definitely a different type of process.” Have you seen the Pretty Reckless in concert? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos MTV First: Evanescence Opening Act: Artists To Look Out For Related Artists Taylor Momsen
Teen rapper Brian Bradley, James Brown-alike Dexter Haygood and other favorites sail through to the finals. By Adam Graham Paula Abdul Photo: FOX Pint-size rapper Brian “Astro” Bradley, recovering addict Chris Rene and the formerly homeless Dexter Haygood are among the finalists on “The X Factor,” it was revealed on Tuesday’s (October 18) episode of the Fox singing competition. During the two-hour episode, the competition’s 32 remaining contestants were trimmed to 16. Those singers will face off in the live episodes, which begin next week, and ultimately try to claim the show’s $5 million recording contract. And in a last-minute twist — because of course there’s going to be a twist — one extra contestant was allowed through to the finals. Here are the 17 “X Factor” finalists:
Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris and ‘Mistletoe’ director Roman White also join Beliebers for our video-premiere live stream. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by James Montgomery Justin Bieber with MTV News’ James Montgomery Photo: MTV News On Tuesday night (October 18), Justin Bieber kicked off the Christmas season two months early when he sat down with MTV News during ” MTV First: Justin Bieber ” to talk about his new holiday-themed album, Under the Mistletoe, and premiere his video for the album’s first single, ” Mistletoe .” The Roman White-directed video features Bieber and his leading lady, Allie Williams, getting romantic in Franklin, Tennessee, where the video was shot last month. “It was different because, like, it’s a Christmas video, so you gotta get your Christmas spirit on,” he said of having to pretend it was the holiday season months before the jingle bells actually start ringing. “We had Santa there. He was kind of interesting, because he had this finger that would light up, but I never knew that, so he would come up to me randomly and point at me and his finger lit up, and it was really strange. I was like, ‘Santa doesn’t do that, my friend.’ ” So has Bieber ever kissed anyone under the mistletoe, like he does in the romantic video? “No,” he revealed. “Except in the ‘Mistletoe’ video. Maybe I’ll be able to someday.” During the show, White spoke to MTV News via Skype and recalled being on set with Bieber, whom he also worked with on the 2009 video for “One Less Lonely Girl.” White explained that the video was influenced by John Hughes ’80s flicks like “Pretty in Pink” and “Sixteen Candles.” “It was great,” White gushed. “He’s a lot of fun. It’s the second time I’ve worked with him, so we already kind of knew each other a little bit. “He was a little older, a little taller and his hair was a little shorter,” he laughed. “He’s a lot of fun, and he taught me some dance moves. We had a blast. What can I say? I learned how to Dougie from one of the Dougie originators.” Considering the video was shot in September, White made sure the set was very Christmas-like. “I love Christmas. … We had all these huge snow machines. We had Santa Claus there. All this snow everywhere. It was really crazy,” he explained. “It felt like Christmas.” The general consensus of fans in the studio was that Bieber definitely created a Christmas classic with the island-tinged tune. “Well, I’m jealous,” Kelsie said of Bieber’s kiss in the video, adding that she was floored by Bieber’s growth as an artist. “It was so great. It’s so great to see how much personality he puts into it and compare him to how it is now [from where he was], it’s amazing. It’s inspiring.” Under the Mistletoe features duets with a variety of stars, like Mariah Carey, Usher, Busta Rhymes, the Band Perry and Boyz II Men, who appear on the song “Fa La La.” “We take that very, very highly,” Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris told us during “MTV First.” “I think he’s a great artist overall. The kid can sing. [Our song has] got a nice little grove to it. The track is actually pretty nice. It doesn’t sound like a hokey Christmas song.” The album hits stores November 1, and Bieber was inspired by a certain food rather than a certain mood when it came to writing tracks for it. “It’s different, because you’ve gotta think Christmastime. You’ve gotta think, ‘What’s at Christmas? Mistletoe, reindeer, Santa, all these things.’ And especially when it’s not Christmastime, it’s hard to really get your mind around it,” he said. “But once you get into it, like, I was really thinking it was Christmastime when I was writing this album. … We had Christmas cookies [in the studio].” Want to know what else Bieber and company, including Boyz II Men’s Nathan Morris and director Roman White, had to say about all things Mistletoe ? Stay with MTV News as we roll out more news and fun tidbits from our interview with Bieber. Related Videos MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Artists Justin Bieber
The 21-year-old rapper was charged with marijuana and gun possession in Georgia on Tuesday, MTV News confirms. By Rob Markman Soulja Boy in Temple Police Department custody on Tuesday Photo: Splash News It was supposed to be a day of celebration for Soulja Boy , but whatever plans he had have been curtailed. On Tuesday morning (October 18), the same day the rapper’s “Soulja Boy: The Movie” DVD documentary hit stores, the 21-year-old was arrested in Georgia after a routine traffic stop and hit with multiple drug charges. MTV News has learned that the Atlanta MC has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Temple Police Department’s public information officer, Dana Rampy, confirmed to MTV News that Soulja Boy (born De’Andre Cortez Way) and four other individuals were arrested early Tuesday around 2:30 a.m. ET while driving west on I-20 in a black Cadillac Escalade. The arresting officer found marijuana, guns and cash in the car. It has been reported by other outlets that roughly $70,000 in cash was found in the vehicle, but Temple Police told us that they did not find that much cash, though they declined to disclose the exact amount. All five men were charged and are currently being held in Carroll County Jail in Carrollton, Georgia; they are set to go before a judge sometime today. The Temple Police Department expects the men to be released after bond is set and posted. Reps for Soulja Boy had no comment when MTV News reached out for a statement. “Soulja Boy: The Movie,” directed by Peter Spirer, looks back on how the rapper went from teen Internet standout to rap star. Related Photos Celebrity Mug Shots Related Artists Soulja Boy Tell’em
‘Fly Together’ artist will appear on ‘RapFix Live’ Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. By Rob Markman Red Cafe Photo: Scott Wintrow/ Getty Images Bad Boy Records has a rich tradition. Since its inception in the early 1990s, label CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs has introduced some of hip-hop’s most influential artists. Of course, there was the Notorious B.I.G. , the Lox, Ma$e and Black Rob. Now, Diddy is looking to launch the next generation of Bad Boy spitters like MGK and Wednesday’s “RapFix Live” guest, Red Caf
‘That kid is on another planet,’ Young Money boss says of Drake’s new record. By Rob Markman Lil Wayne and Drake Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images There are few albums more highly anticipated than Drake ‘s upcoming Take Care , but fans aren’t the only ones eagerly awaiting a listen. Drizzy’s Young Money boss Lil Wayne has yet to hear the November 15 LP in its entirety, but he’s impressed with what he has heard so far. “I actually haven’t got a chance to listen to all of it, but I heard a few songs,” Wayne told MTV News while on the set for Birdman’s “Y.U. Mad” video in Miami. Weezy has never been shy with his “Best Rapper Alive” boasts, but when it comes to Drake and his new album , he plays second fiddle. “I can tell, you know, I don’t know nothing else out there that can touch it, including my stuff. That kid is on another planet,” he said. Part of what impresses the Young Money CEO is the Toronto MC’s knack for making relatable music. In fact, Drake told MTV News that his latest single with Nicki Minaj, “Make Me Proud,” which they performed together last weekend on “Saturday Night Live,” was conceptualized after a regular, everyday conversation. “Whenever I make songs surrounding women, I always try to find refreshing stances to take as opposed to just like, “Oh, you’re sexy” or “Oh, I want you.” The song, it really came up in passing conversation, just being like, “I’m proud of you,” ” Drake said of the T-Minus-produced song. It is that approach that Birdman Jr. appreciates and what he feels will ultimately drive Take Care . “To me, I call him a conversational artist, meaning he can make a hit song out of a regular conversation that you would love to have with any woman or anybody, and I think that is his expertise. The songs I heard, he just capitalized on that like crazy.” Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Drake Related Artists Drake Lil Wayne
Free agent is considering his options while Rule EP makes some noise, in Mixtape Daily. By Rob Markman Grafh Don’t Sleep: Necessary Notables Headliner : Grafh Key Cameo : “Don’t Stop” (featuring Bun B) Real Spit : Grafh is on the road to reinvention. After splitting with Black Hand Entertainment , the company he had been signed to since coming into the rap game in the early 2000s, Grafh has been putting out new music at a torrid pace. First, there was his Pain Killers mixtape, and then in September, he dropped his Rule EP, which he streams on his website for free and put up for purchase on iTunes. ” Rule ‘s getting a good response, and I really appreciate it,” Grafh told Mixtape Daily. “I worked hard on it, I put a lot of energy into it, and it’s different coming from Grafh. I took a different approach. I attacked the music more laid-back, something you can ride to, smoke to.” Typically, the Queens, New York, MC employs a rapid-fire flow, but for Rule, Grafh slowed his complex bars down just a tad. “Stoned” moves at a syrupy crawl, while a mellowed-out Grafh raps about drinking and smoking. On “It’s All the Same,” he delivers a cautionary ‘hood tale, and on the Too $hort-sampling “Don’t Stop,” the nimble lyricist teams with Bun B for a bouncy banger. Though currently unsigned, the rap free agent hopes to broker a deal for himself in the near future. Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group and Lil Wayne’s Young Money are attractive destinations. “I’m a free agent right now looking for that new money,” Grafh said. “Rick Ross is kicking major ass. He’s one of those dudes that break artists — so is Lil Wayne. He makes hella money and good music. I love what those dudes are doin’. I’mma fan of what they’re doin’.” In the end, however, it is all about the connection Grafh is currently making with his fans. “Without the fans, I’m just a n—a rappin’. They mean more to me than people would imagine,” he said. “The fans allow me to do this, or else I’d be doing something else that probably wouldn’t be legal.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists Grafh
Moore also tells MTV News that the teen comedy’s ongoing release delays have been ‘a tough thing.’ By Kara Warner, with reporting by Eric Ditzian Ashley Greene Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Although it’s been awhile since we’ve had any updates about a release date for Miley Cyrus and Ashley Greene’s delayed teen comedy “LOL,” anticipation continues to build for the film, which will mark a departure for former Disney star Cyrus and Greene, who is best for her role as sweet-natured psychic Alice Cullen in the “Twilight Saga” series. But when MTV News recently caught up with Demi Moore, who plays Cyrus’ mom in the film, we got some scoop about her experience with the singer/actress, as well as some dish on what we can expect from Greene’s performance. “[Cyrus] is great, she did great,” Moore said during a promotional run for her upcoming financial thriller “Margin Call.” “I really loved the movie; I loved working with her and the director. They just put it on pause because they had another film they were focusing on. It’s a tough thing when you have a movie you’re looking forward to coming out,” she added of waiting on the film’s release date. With regard to Greene’s performance, Moore teased that moviegoers can expect to see a very different side of the “Breaking Dawn” star. “She’s saucy, she’s really saucy,” Moore said with a smile, which prompted her “Margin Call” co-star Simon Baker to chime in. “I love it when you say that,” Baker said. “Is she sassy too?” “Sassy and saucy,” Moore promised. “LOL” is based on the successful 2008 French film “Laughing Out Loud.” The American version is a coming-of-age story about a group of young people — led by Cyrus’ wild-child character Lola — trying to navigate high school peer pressure and romance in a tech-savvy era. The cast also includes Thomas Jane (“Hung”), Gina Gershon (“Rescue Me”), Jay Hernandez (“Takers”) and Austin Nichols (“One Tree Hill”). For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
‘No Light, No Light’ is next off upcoming Ceremonials, Florence Welch tells MTV News. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Rya Backer Florence Welch Photo: MTV News On November 1 in the U.S. (October 31 in the U.K., which is a decidedly more fitting date, we must add) Florence and the Machine will return with Ceremonials, the bewitching, ethereal follow-up to their breakout Lungs album . And like that debut disc, the new one finds frontwoman/mastermind Florence Welch drawing from a grab bag of influences, both musical and lyrical, only pushed to the nth degree. To wit, the first two songs released from the album — “What the Water Gave Me” and “Shake It Off” — take their inspiration from the paintings of Frida Kahlo, the death of writer Virginia Woolf and a rather blistering hangover, to name just a few. In fact, this time around, it’s gotten so all-over-the-place that even Welch is having a difficult time keeping track, as she told MTV News. “Literally, a song can be about seven different things,” she sighed. “I do think of songs almost as collages of different images, and so the references will just come from all over the place, and I don’t really know how they’ll all fit together until the song is finished.” The same holds true for the album’s title, which was inspired by a 1970s art installation Welch had seen, and the eclectic, electric rave-ups of her live performances. But robes, pasta and balloons, too. “It was an art installation done in the ’70s, this video piece all done on Super 8, this big procession of kind of coquette-style hippies and all these different colored robes and masks, and it was all to do with color, really saturated, brightly colored pastas and balloons,” Welch explained. “I saw it a couple years ago, and it was called ‘Ceremonials’ and then, like, Roman numerals after it. And the word sort of stuck with me, and I think the whole idea of performance, and kind of putting on this outfit and going out almost to find some sort of exorcism or absolution, to kind of get outside yourself, there’s a sense of ceremony to it.” That same pastiche of influences holds true for the next single off the album, which, in a bit of an exclusive, Welch revealed during our interview (even though she probably wasn’t supposed to). “I do [know what it’s going to be] but I don’t think [I’m supposed to say],” she said. “I think it’s going to be ‘No Light, No Light.’ … It was the first song we wrote for this next record, actually. And the intro was written on my tour bus at four in the morning going to Amsterdam. We had gone out for [Machine member] Rob [Ackroyd]’s birthday to an all-night restaurant in Brussels called Midnights. We went to this funny restaurant and then got on the tour bus and everyone was a bit drunk and it was like, ‘Yeah, let’s write a song.’ “And we recorded the sound of the bus moving, a real drone-y bass sound, and that’s the intro, and then the tour bus arrived in Amsterdam [and we were saying], ‘Let’s go toast this song! We will find a bar that will serve us drinks at 7 in the morning! Come!’ ” she laughed. “So we trotted off into Amsterdam and managed to find a sports bar that would only serve us Midori. It was bright-green drinks and me and [Machine member] Isa [Summers] kind of looking like crazy old ladies.” Related Artists Florence + the Machine
