Plus, buzz about Janet Jackson joining Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ panel continues to swirl. By John Mitchell Simon Cowell Photo: FOX Simon Cowell is enjoying the rivalry between TV’s top reality singing competitions and would “be up for” a sing-off featuring the winners of “The X Factor,” “American Idol” and “The Voice.” The “X Factor” mentor/judge took to Twitter Friday morning (February 17) to reveal that he “loves the rivalry between all the music shows” and went on to suggest a mega-showdown between the winners of TV’s three biggest reality singing competitions. “Maybe the winner of @TheXFactorUSA this yr should compete with winner of The Voice & Idol in a super final,” Cowell tweeted . “Just a thought. I’d be up for it.” Maybe the winner of @ TheXFactorUSA this yr should compete with winner of The Voice & Idol in a super final. Just a thought. I’d be up for it — Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 17, 2012 Though “The X Factor” did not perform as well as Cowell and Fox had hoped last fall — the notoriously cocky judge even admitted , “it’s going to take a little longer than I thought” for the show to catch on in America — it has been renewed for a second season. When it returns later this year, however, viewers will see a very different panel, as judges/mentors Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, along with host Steve Jones, were let go in January. Rumors over who will replace Abdul and Scherzinger have been rampant, with speculation naming everyone from Beyonc
Most critics have panned the Nicolas Cage flick, citing mediocrity as its biggest crime. By Kevin P. Sullivan Nicolas Cage in “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” Photo: Columbia Pictures Nicolas Cage ‘s Ghost Rider has received a makeover from “Crank” directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, but that’s not enough to keep the critics happy. Most have panned “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” citing mediocrity as its biggest crime. We’ve rounded up a sample of the reviews of the film, so you can decide whether you’ll be making the trip to hell this weekend. The Story “It’s been five years since stunt rider Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) signed on the bloody line and became Beelzebub’s flaming-biker bounty hunter. Sniffing out evil and sucking the souls out of bad guys whenever his head catches on fire, Blaze finally wants rid of his cursed vigilante alter ego.” — Paul Bradshaw, TotalFilm.com The Lead “Returning as the eponymous not-quite-hero, Nicolas Cage spends stretches of the film on autopilot while waiting for scenes he deems worthy of his particular brand of crazy. They’re not frequent enough to please the Cage aficionado, but sequences in which the twitchy, inappropriately giddy actor tries to choke back transformations into a bloodthirsty skeleton-on-fire are welcome in a film where often-charismatic costars Ciar
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco and Jeff Beck round out list of five former Grammy winners competing in hotly contested category. By James Montgomery Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl Photo: Peter Wafzig/ Getty Images Five disparate discs will go head to head in the Best Rock Album category during Sunday’s 54th Grammy Awards (or, probably, during the pre-televised ceremony), which is a pretty apt way to sum up a year when the Decemberists topped the Billboard charts and the best-selling rock record — Mumford & Son’s Sigh No More — was actually released in 2010. In short, 2011 didn’t make a whole lot of sense. So we suppose it’s even more fitting that neither the Decemberists or Mumford & Sons are actually nominated for Best Rock Album at this year’s Grammys. Instead, it’s the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Wilco and Jeff Beck who will duke it out for the golden gramophone — and really, each of them have a pretty-realistic shot at winning. They’ve all got Grammy trophies at home (KOL even took home one of the so-called “Big Four” awards — Record of the Year, for “Use Somebody” — in 2009), and through the years, they’ve each proven themselves as mainstays when the Recording Academy reveals its list of nominees. All of which means that this year’s race is certain to be one of the most-tightly contested in years. Will hard-rock enthusiasts carry the Foos to victory? Can indie-leaning voters help Wilco take home the award? Will purists go all-in on Jeff Beck’s Les Paul tribute album? We won’t know for sure until the winner is announced Sunday. In the meantime, here’s a look at the five nominees for Best Rock Album: Foo Fighters, Wasting Light : Born from humble beginnings (they recorded the disc straight to tape in Dave Grohl’s garage ), Wasting Light went on to accomplish great things, not only giving the Foos their first-ever #1 debut in the U.S., but revitalizing the band’s spirit, which they admitted had been worn down after years on the touring/recording treadmill. In the process, the Foos served notice that they’re still formidable two decades on, the rare band as capable of churning out snarling stompers as they are radio-friendly numbers. A win here would give the Foos four Best Rock Album Grammys, twice as many as their nearest competitors (Green Day, U2 and, uh, Sheryl Crow). Jeff Beck, Rock ‘n’ Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul) : Part tribute, part rollicking rock workout, Beck honors his idol, the late, great Les Paul, with this effervescent disc. Recorded live at New York’s Iridium Jazz Club — where Paul played a weekly slot until his death in August 2009 — on what would’ve been the guitar pioneer’s 95th birthday, it features guest appearances from Brian Setzer, Trombone Shorty and Gary U.S. Bonds and nearly as many memorable moments. Given all that (not to mention the sentimental nature of Grammy voters), this could be the dark-horse favorite to take it all. Kings of Leon, Come Around Sundown : The follow-up to their breakout, Only By the Night , didn’t quite match the commercial successes of its predecessor, but that doesn’t mean it’s a dud. Instead, Sundown finds the brothers (and cousin) Followill coming to terms with their newfound fame, setting down roots and allowing their once bottled-up, garage-proofed rock to flower and flourish (think lap steel, Wurlitzers and horns). It’s a solid effort, though it remains to be seen if the Kings can match their post- Night Grammy haul, when they took home three awards (including the aforementioned Record of the Year) based on the strength of the album. Red Hot Chili Peppers, I’m With You : After a two-year hiatus (and a five-year gap between albums), the Chili Peppers returned in 2011 with I’m With You, a record of dizzying highs (not all of them drug-related) and disorienting lows. A spirited album that’s most certainly haunted by spirits of past regrets and departed friends, much like the Foo’s Wasting Light, the Peppers credit I’m With You — the first to feature guitarist Josh Klinghoffer — with revitalizing their band — which, given both the length and low periods of their amazing career, is definitely saying something. Wilco, The Whole Love : After sounding slightly bored (to some) on 2009’s Wilco (The Album), Jeff Tweedy and Co. returned last year with The Whole Love, an album that sees the band rediscovering their adventurous Yankee Hotel Foxtrot / A Ghost is Born period. At turns voluminous, foreboding, inscrutable and drop-dead gorgeous, it not only captures Wilco at their best, but also at a bit of a career crossroads. Regardless of wherever they go from here, we’ll definitely be listening. Related Videos A Guide To The Grammys 2012 MTV First: Foo Fighters’ ‘Rope’ MTV First: Red Hot Chili Peppers Related Artists Foo Fighters Kings Of Leon
Part live clip, part kaleidoscopic freakout, the ‘Paris’ video more than matches the song’s massive impact. By James Montgomery Kanye West and Jay-Z in the music video for “N—as in Paris” Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records After the premiere of Kanye West and Jay-Z ‘s new “N—as in Paris” video — which bowed Thursday (February 9) on MTV.com — someone joked that I needed to watch it 13 times in a row to best approximate the experience of the dynamic duo’s Watch the Throne tour. And it’s true, Kanye and Jay did play “Paris” a whole lot during their trek … mostly because the song elicited such a thunderous response from sold-out crowds nationwide . So it’s somewhat fitting that the video (which was directed by West) is equally live … and just as thunderous. Filmed in part during the run of Throne shows at the Staples Center in Los Angeles — additional footage, one can assume, was shot during a casted performance, unless the Staples crowd was 85 percent female models — the clip captures both the loose jocularity of ‘Ye and Jay and the electric energy that coursed through the venue when “Paris” leapt from the speakers (many, many times). West fills the video with eye-catching kaleidoscopic effects, creating dizzying visuals that fold the audience, the stage and everything else in upon themselves, making fractals upon fractals. No wonder the clip is preceded by an epilepsy warning. Check out epic scenes from the “N—as in Paris” video! Given the size and scope of both the song and the artists performing it, the “Paris” video is also loaded with lasers, prowling panthers, pop-up-book cityscapes and the aforementioned models. Shoot, even producer Hit-Boy makes a one-second cameo. It’s a head-spinning, pulse-quickening mixture of imagery and movement, of sight and sound — an experience unlike any other live clip. Oh, and yes, Will Ferrell makes an appearance too, though it’s in the form of a scene from “Blades of Glory” (guess Ferrell wasn’t lying when he told MTV News that plans to feature him in the clip never quite materialized). So truly, there’s something for everyone. If you caught the Throne tour, the “Paris” video is sure to inspire heady flashbacks. If you didn’t, well, here’s what it was like, only pushed to the absolute max. And to further replicate the live feeling, I recommend watching it for roughly the next hour. It’s the way the thing was supposed to be viewed, after all. Did the “Paris” video capture the live Watch the Throne experience? Leave your comment below! Related Photos Epic Scenes From Jay-Z And Kanye West’s ‘Paris’ Video Related Artists Jay-Z Kanye West
“HELP ME, I’M DYING!” – John Edwards, according to the National Enquirer Ever since the aforementioned gossip publication correctly reported the former politician’s career-ending affair with Rielle Hunter and subsequent love child scandal, they have continued to pursue its aftermath, with questionable accuracy. The latest angle: Edwards wants to postpone his upcoming federal trial on corruption charges because he had a heart attack and feels he might die! “John fell apart in front of a pal after returning from a jog and was afraid he’d die,” says a close source . “His heart began pounding and he was having la
The Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2012 batch of new inductees, which includes The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Laura Nyro, Donovan, and first-time qualifiers Guns ‘N Roses. That’s a varied group, but they all have one thing in common: fantastic, often bizarre appearances in motion pictures. Join us as we revisit the cinematic work of these five acts, as well as identify the key ’80s actress with strong personal ties to three of the aforementioned inductees. I’ll buy you a Snickers if you can name her offhand.
Elijah Wood makes a creepy office visit and Matt Damon overshares in a strange year full of (awkward) celebrity highlights for the MTV Movies team. By Josh Horowitz Ryan Gosling Photo: MTV News It’s been quite a year for the “After Hours” team at MTV News. After dipping our toes in the waters of the awkward and controversial celebrity interview last year, 2011 represented our first 12-month run of embarrassing situations — and what a year it was. James Franco kicked me in the balls. Don Cheadle kicked me in the balls. Paul Giamatti kicked me in the balls. And that was just January. Thirty-four “After Hours” segments — that’s a lot of mental and physical abuse. As we look back, here are four lessons learned in the past year. Great Things Can Fall Through the Cracks One of my personal favorite “After Hours” segments of ’11 occurred early on. We called it “Fanline,” and it featured the cast of the otherwise forgotten Vince Vaughn comedy “The Dilemma.” Ostensibly, I read Vaughn and Kevin James letters from fans. Who actually wrote the letters, I’m not saying, because what’s important is I got to tell Vince how much “Fred Claus” sucked. He didn’t seem pleased. And not many of you saw this “AH” when it first appeared … much like “Fred Claus.” Yes or No?!? (Not) Such a Simple Question. Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to find a new way to get celebrities to reveal something unexpected about themselves. We found “The Yes/No Show” was a simple and direct way to draw out some unique truths from the stars. Has Matt Damon seen Ben Affleck’s penis? Does Ryan Reynolds think Ryan Gosling’s abs are better than his? Just ask, my friends. What’s the worst that can happen? Ryan Gosling Can Do No Wrong Speaking of Ryan Gosling, “After Hours” scored one of its most popular segments simply by exposing the man who flaunted his abs in “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” to the infamous “Hey Girl” meme . Who didn’t giggle along with Ryan as he turned bright red? And if that wasn’t enough Gosling for you, we put him to the (Canadian) test later in the year in “American Talk.” People Like to Hurt Me If there was prevailing motif in “After Hours” this year, it would probably be the abuse of Josh Horowitz (karma, I suppose, for the absurdities I put our brightest stars through). Beyond the aforementioned ball-kicking, there was James McAvoy’s kicking giant medicine balls at my head — that REALLY hurt. And perhaps most disturbing, Elijah Wood’s office visit -turned-“Single White Female”-esque murder of … me. Don’t worry, I lived to embarrass myself and others another day. See you in 2012. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV After Hours With Josh Horowitz
Forget about Kim Kardashian for a moment. Or for a lifetime, many are urging . What is going on with Kris Humphries these days? How does he feel about the Divorce Heard Around the World? OK! Weekly claims to have the answer. “He really thought she just gave up too quickly and didn’t even try,” an insider tells the tabloid . “It came out of nowhere — he really didn’t see the divorce coming. He’s angry and also very sad.” Things have been “painful” for Humphries, this source adds. Heck, he doesn’t even have a job these days because there’s no end in sight to the NBA lockout. “He feels like no one cares what he has to say or wants to hear his side of the story because Kim is a bigger celebrity,” says the friend. “People care more about her.” And in related news, the sky is blue and Lindsay Lohan has had a few problems with the law.
Bill Maher talked to David Letterman about his fight with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View , and needless to say, didn’t seem eager to apologize and put this to bed. On the contrary, the outspoken late night comedian seemed more amused than anything that Hasselbeck ambushed him about a joke he once made about her. “You kind of walked into a deal there, huh?” Letterman said. Maher’s response? Diss her and make a reference to former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, obviously … Bill Maher on Letterman “I was abused. I felt like a teenage boy at Penn State,” quipped Maher, never one to pass on an un-PC zinger. “It’s funny, I am never in the role of the victim… It was like, thank you, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, for making me look good! “She had some bug up her ass,” he added, but then softened his tone. “Look, I’m only kidding. I like her a lot. We have this relationship on TV where we hate each other.” Watch the aforementioned exchange on The View after the jump: Elisabeth Hasselbeck Versus Bill Maher on The View
Earlier today, iPhone Dev-Team member @MuscleNerd posted a couple of screenshots taken on a jailbroken iPhone 4S handset, stating that this was a preliminary solution and that there was “lots of work left.” Now, the Dev-Team’s most vocal member has uploaded a YouTube video in which the aforementioned jailbreak solution is demonstrated on an iPad 2 running iOS 5. MuscleNerd Posts Video Demonstrating… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Apple iPhone Apps Discovery Date : 28/10/2011 11:27 Number of articles : 2
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