Singer talks about recording Goodbye Lullaby with Swedish pop producer. By Jocelyn Vena Avril Lavigne Photo: MTV News Avril Lavigne asked “What the Hell” on her Goodbye Lullaby lead single, and she had a little help from a pretty impressive music-industry vet. For her fourth studio album, out Tuesday (March 8), Lavigne jetted off to Sweden to work with legendary pop producer Max Martin. “What was really great about working with Max was, I flew out to Sweden for a couple weeks, sat down, played him my record, got to know each other, wrote some songs together, and then I was out,” she told MTV News. “It switched it up for me. It was a new creative space, a new relationship, and we got a lot done. He’s very talented.” Martin, who has worked with everyone from Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson to Katy Perry, really seemed to click with the pop/punk princess. “He said some really kind things that really meant a lot to me,” she said. “He worked with so many people and he’s an artist, he’s very sensitive. We wrote a couple really special songs together.” In the process of writing those tracks, it seems that Martin and Lavigne forged quite a bond. “It’s kind of hard to work with someone new, and when I went in and did vocals on ‘Wish You Were Here,’ I did my first take, and then Max stood up and was like, ‘I’m so honored that you’re here.’ “And it was a really special moment, where he understood me and I understood him,” she continued. “We connected and had a really great time. And it was really magic my first trip there. He’s sweet.” What do you think of Avril Lavigne’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Extended Play: Avril Lavigne’s ‘Goodbye Lullaby’ Related Artists Avril Lavigne
Singer talks about recording Goodbye Lullaby with Swedish pop producer. By Jocelyn Vena Avril Lavigne Photo: MTV News Avril Lavigne asked “What the Hell” on her Goodbye Lullaby lead single, and she had a little help from a pretty impressive music-industry vet. For her fourth studio album, out Tuesday (March 8), Lavigne jetted off to Sweden to work with legendary pop producer Max Martin. “What was really great about working with Max was, I flew out to Sweden for a couple weeks, sat down, played him my record, got to know each other, wrote some songs together, and then I was out,” she told MTV News. “It switched it up for me. It was a new creative space, a new relationship, and we got a lot done. He’s very talented.” Martin, who has worked with everyone from Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson to Katy Perry, really seemed to click with the pop/punk princess. “He said some really kind things that really meant a lot to me,” she said. “He worked with so many people and he’s an artist, he’s very sensitive. We wrote a couple really special songs together.” In the process of writing those tracks, it seems that Martin and Lavigne forged quite a bond. “It’s kind of hard to work with someone new, and when I went in and did vocals on ‘Wish You Were Here,’ I did my first take, and then Max stood up and was like, ‘I’m so honored that you’re here.’ “And it was a really special moment, where he understood me and I understood him,” she continued. “We connected and had a really great time. And it was really magic my first trip there. He’s sweet.” What do you think of Avril Lavigne’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Extended Play: Avril Lavigne’s ‘Goodbye Lullaby’ Related Artists Avril Lavigne
‘If we’re gonna go and try to get on radio … there’s a certain format that you have to fit to do that,’ he tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez Lupe Fiasco Photo: MTV News Lupe Fiasco is undoubtedly one of the most talented MCs in hip-hop, but he is still working to earn a place in the upper echelon of rap superstars. With the Chicago rapper’s third album, Lasers, out Tuesday (March 8), Lupe makes a leap in that direction. “For this record, being a more popular record and being the goal of this record from its inception, no matter what changes and phases and label battles that it went through, it was always about, ‘Let’s take it to another level,’ ” he told MTV News. “If we’re gonna go and try to get on radio, trying to capture that bigger audience, there’s a certain format that you have to fit to do that. That’s the growth that the fans want, the underrated things that the critics say. So to achieve those things, you have to play that [game]. You can’t say, ‘I wanna play for the Yankees,’ and you’re a football player. That’s not gonna work. You have to learn how to play baseball.”
Divorcing couple are engaged in battle over 2-year-old son Bronx. By Gil Kaufman Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz in 2008 Photo: Getty Images The amicable split between Pete Wentz and soon-to-be ex-wife Ashlee Simpson-Wentz appears to be taking a slightly less friendly turn. The couple, who separated earlier this year and seemed to be on good terms, appear to be headed to court to resolve a brewing custody dispute over their 2-year-old son, Bronx. (See photos of Ashlee Simpson And Pete Wentz throughout the years.) According to TMZ , Wentz filed papers on Monday in response to Simpson’s divorce petition. The former Fall Out Boy bassist asked that a judge grant joint physical and legal custody of their son and requested that each spouse pay their own legal fees. The gossip site also claimed to have obtained a copy of the divorce petition, in which lawyers for Simpson-Wentz checked a box indicating that she wanted primary physical custody of the toddler and that she wanted Wentz to pay her legal fees as well. The Wentz form lists May 16, 2008, as the date of their marriage and February 9, 2011, as the date of their separation. When news of the divorce broke last month, sources close to the couple said they were intent on riding out the split peacefully and putting their focus on Bronx’s well-being. “It’s very amicable. They’re on very friendly terms and speaking — it’s fine,” an insider told People magazine at the time. “They’ve just grown apart. They’ve been growing apart for quite some time.” The source added that parenting their toddler remained their top priority. “It’s all about Bronx for them. They’re fantastic parents — Pete says she’s a great mom, and she says he’s a great father,” the insider said. “It’s about Bronx’s care and well-being and happiness for them.” Insiders have also echoed the “growing apart” reasoning to TMZ, adding that their respective careers — Simpson has largely eschewed the spotlight since 2008’s Bittersweet World, while Wentz has dabbled in fashion and piloted other musical projects — wedged them apart. “After Bronx was born, Ashlee made a conscious decision to get out of the business, but Pete’s heart was in music so he kept touring and that became a big issue in their relationship,” the source added. While insiders have maintained the split is drama-free , TMZ reports that Simpson left because of Wentz’s antics. “It’s really all about Pete’s erratic behavior,” the source said. “She really wanted out.” Related Photos Pete Wentz And Ashlee Simpson: The Way They Were Related Artists Ashlee Simpson Fall Out Boy
A long list of young actresses, including Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Lawrence, are up for the coveted role of Katniss. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence Photo: Getty Images In the dystopian world imagined by Suzanne Collins in her best-selling young-adult trilogy “The Hunger Games,” anxious teens hope against all odds that they can avoid the titular, televised fight to the death decreed by their government. But in the real world, Hollywood’s rising stars are battling to get into the arena for the upcoming adaptation of the series’ first novel due out March 23, 2012. And no role is more hotly contested than that of 16-year-old District 12 tribute Katniss Everdeen. Casting speculation has run rampant since the news came in March 2009 that the novel’s screen rights had been purchased by Lionsgate. U.K. “Skins” star Kaya Scodelario was an early fan favorite for the role and, along with , “Nikita” star Lyndsy Fonseca was reportedly among the first to receive a script. Slowly but surely, however, actresses from their early teens to their mid-20s have begun hungrily eying the part of the 16-year-old heroine. “Katniss is my homegirl,” “Kick-Ass” star Chloe Moretz told MTV News back in October 2010. “I would absolutely die to be in ‘The Hunger Games.’ I’m just sayin’ that.” A few weeks later, “Vampire Diaries” star Malese Jow spoke with Hollywood Crush , expressing a similar sentiment. “I would do my absolute best,” she promised. “I would give it 2,000 percent for everyone. I know there are some die-hard fans out there.” A couple of young actresses have gone so far as to tweet pictures of themselves done up as Katniss (and in some cases, sporting her signature bow and arrow). For Halloween 2010, “Eclipse” star Jodelle Ferland dressed as the tribute, though she downplayed the stunt tweeting, “Don’t take it so seriously … I’m not trying to say, ‘Hey, look at me. I should be Katniss.’ ” More recently, “Camp Rock” actress Alyson Stoner posted various photos of herself dressed in Katniss’ iconic Hunger Games uniform and climbing walls as part of her “training.” Though plenty of up-and-coming actresses have thrown their name into the ring, producer Nina Jacobson told The L.A. Times early on that a known name wasn’t necessary for the part. “It really comes down to finding that person who can capture the physicality, the vulnerability and the toughness,” she said. “She’s a paradoxical character and you need somebody who has the range to capture all of those dimensions.” In a piece in The Wall Street Journal detailing the hunt for the “next Hailee Steinfeld,” the paper went behind the scenes of several upcoming YA adaptations, including “The Hunger Games,” in which casting director Debra Zane explained that an open casting call had gone out for Katniss (Caucasian, between the ages of 15 and 20, someone who could portray “underfed but strong” and “naturally pretty underneath her tomboyishness”), and that she’d seen about 50 girls so far. Nonetheless, last week Variety reported that Lionsgate had three Oscar-nominated actresses in their crosshairs: Abigail Breslin, Hailee Steinfeld and Jennifer Lawrence (with Lawrence as the front-runner). Steinfeld revealed to MTV News on the Oscars red carpet that she had already met with director Gary Ross, saying, “It’s definitely something that we’re taking one day at a time and making sure that everything is in place.” Entertainment Weekly quickly filed a report that conflicted with Variety ‘s, citing sources at Lionsgate who said that there was not yet a front-runner for the role and that about 30 actresses had been seen for the part, including a few who hadn’t yet gained much “Hunger Games” heat (like “The Lovely Bones” star Saoirse Ronan). Fan site The Hob followed up with Scodelario’s people (one of the actresses included in EW ‘s report), who said she had not in fact, read for the role yet. Ultimately, Lionsgate’s pick for Katniss will influence which of Hollywood’s young actors will be eyed for the roles of fellow Hunger Games contestant Peeta and Katniss’ childhood friend Gale (age is a big factor here). Nonetheless, several actors, including Liam Hemsworth and Alex Pettyfer, have told MTV News they have met with the studio about the Peeta role. It will be a “Hunger Games” fight to the finish, indeed. Who do you hope the odds are in favor of to play Katniss? For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .
‘It’s not important for us to make videos, but it’s fun to make videos,’ Dave Grohl says regarding the new clip. By James Montgomery The Foo Fighters Photo: Steve Gullick Over the course of their 15-year career, the Foo Fighters have made no shortage of truly memorable music videos. From the Mentos-spoofing “Big Me” and the costumed-and-campy “Learn to Fly” to more serious, somber clips like “Everlong” and “My Hero,” they’ve carved out a rather unique niche in the rock world: They are the go-to guys for iconic clips … and they have been for some time. So, with the premiere of their new “Rope” video set to bow on Thursday at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, we decided to ask the Foos about their rather impressive video past … and how they’ve managed to establish themselves as masters of the genre — goofy moustaches or not. As it turns out, the secret to the rockers’ success has a whole lot to do with not taking themselves — or the format — all that seriously. “It’s not important for us to make videos, but it’s fun to make videos. I like making videos,” frontman Dave Grohl said. “So, I don’t know if bands have to make videos [these days], but I think it’s cool. I’ve always liked making videos.” Of course, in an era where YouTube has changed the way fans view music videos, the entire concept of breaking the bank for an eye-catching clip is practically extinct. So rather than slowly die off, the Foos have embraced the DIY aesthetic … as evidenced by their recent, shot-on-VHS “White Limo” video and “Rope,” which Grohl revealed was also captured on old-school tape. But instead of being bummed by shrinking production values, Grohl and Co. have gone all-in … and they’re pleased with the results. “Nowadays, if we go play in a club and someone has a video phone, they film it and then they put it on YouTube and it becomes a video,” Grohl said. “The distribution of any of that information or images, it goes out everywhere, like that. … That’s f—ing rad.” The Foo Fighters’ “Rope” video premieres live at 7:54 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday on MTV and MTV.com, followed by an exclusive Q&A session from one lucky Foo fan’s house to be live-streamed on MTV.com. Fans can submit questions via Twitter ( @MTVNews using hashtag #askfoos ). Related Videos Gearing Up For The Foo Fighters’ ‘Rope’ Video Premiere Related Artists Foo Fighters
Former G-Unit member faces up to 10 years if convicted. By Jayson Rodriguez Young Buck (file) Photo: Arnold Turner/ WireImage On Monday, former 50 Cent prot
Video features the star singing girl-power song in the desert and the city. By Jocelyn Vena Willow Smith Photo: Getty Images An old woman (played by Cicely Tyson) walks in the desert, mumbling to herself when she comes across bone fragments. As she digs her way through the sand, she finds various objects. The sand begins to rumble and out comes a hooded Willow Smith. The woman whispers something in her ear and disappears. Taking a look around, Willow grabs some dirt and a butterfly emerges out of nothing. Thus begins the video for “21st Century Girl.” Looking fierce in a red and yellow outfit, Smith shows some swagga as she runs through the desert, singing the girl-power song, pulling guitars from the sand with wolves and other precocious kids at her side. Her crew pulls remnants from the 21st century out of the sand. Among the bikes and skateboards is a metropolis, complete with skyscrapers that grow from the dry land. In this cityscape, Willow dons new threads: leopard tights, yellow shorts and a sassy T-shirt that reads, “Boys need training.” She and her pals dance around the city. Then Willow is seen whispering to a baby girl, who too can form a butterfly from sand, passing some sort of baton to the next generation of soothsayer types and leaving viewers wondering what power it is that these 21st-century girls possess. The clip hit the Internet over the weekend; it was directed by Rich Lee (Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Pussycat Dolls). The video was shot over two days in January. “21st Century Girl” hit radio last week and will be featured on Smith’s forthcoming debut album. She’s currently on the road with Justin Bieber, opening for the star on his European tour. What do you think of Willow’s new video? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Willow Smith
The pop icons are featured as part of mag’s ‘Ladies We Love’ April issue. By James Dinh Britney Spears Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage Britney Spears and Madonna have reunited again, at least on the cover of Out magazine. Pop music’s cr
Despite rumors of a delay, the band’s spokesperson says no release date was ever set. By James Montgomery Coldplay’s Chris Martin Photo: Mark Metcalfe/ Getty Images You may already have an idea about what Coldplay’s upcoming album is about — namely “love, addiction, OCD, escape and working for someone you don’t like” — but up until now, you probably had no idea when the still-untitled disc would be hitting stores. But when the band began lining up headlining dates on summer festivals (Glastonbury, T in the Park, etc.), fans interpreted that to mean that Coldplay were also readying their fifth full-length for release, meaning that a brand-new album should be only a few months away. Of course, that optimism was dashed when a well-informed member of Coldplay fansite Coldplaying.com posted that the album had been pushed back until October, writing, “I can confirm the change of plans in the Coldplay camp regarding the schedule[d] release of LP5, originally before summer. Hope people can wait until October.” Given that this particular member had, in the past, seemed to have been privy to some top-secret Coldplay information (he/she claimed to have heard “Violet Hill,” the first single off the band’s Viva la Vida album, two weeks before the song premiered, and wrote about it in shockingly accurate terms to prove it), word of the October release quickly began spreading as chapter and verse amongst Coldplay fans. The only problem? According to a spokesperson for the band, there is no release date for Coldplay’s new album, nor has there even been one. “A release date has not yet been set for Coldplay’s next studio album,” that spokesperson wrote in an e-mail to MTV News. Coldplay are currently working on the new album with frequent collaborators Brian Eno and Markus Dravs. Last month, frontman Chris Martin told BBC’s Radio 1 is a “thinly veiled account of what happens within the group,” but added that it’s not entirely about interpersonal conflict. “[It] also has a lot of uplifting stuff,” he said. “It’s supposed to be about life, the good stuff and the bad stuff. Everything.” Related Artists Coldplay
