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Jennifer Lopez: An ‘American Idol’ Cheat Sheet

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Catch up on all the dish about new judge J.Lo before season 10 begins. By Jocelyn Vena “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez Photo: Tony Duran / FOX Jennifer Lopez has long been a triple-threat, having conquered music, movies and everything in between. This week, “Jenny From the Block” adds a new gig to her extensive resume: “American Idol” judge . On Wednesday night (January 18), as the new season of the hit Fox reality series kicks off, fans are eager to see what the one-time “In Living Color” “fly girl” will bring to the mix, alongside fellow newbie Steven Tyler and “Idol” vet Randy Jackson. Since September’s announcement that she got the gig, Lopez has made it clear she brings one thing to the table: “tough love.” “I think there are definitely better ways to get your point across [than being cruel],” she said at last year’s announcement. “I’ve mentored on the show before, so I think people have seen that and kinda can feel how I’ll be — or maybe they’ll be surprised.” Later that month, Lopez used three words to describe her judging style : “tough, easy and fair.” “I don’t want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they’re nervous, and not get to see what they could have did,” Lopez said. “They’re going to come in here and be a little bit nervous in the beginning, and then you realize, ‘Wow, that person is really talented.’ So we work them a little bit more than maybe you’ve seen in the past. We’ve given them more of a chance. “We know what it’s like to be out there,” Lopez added. “I was energized by all of their spirit when they come in here, and they’re so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be.” That same week, “AI” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe posted a photo online of the new judges sitting at the table with “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Jackson. With the release of her new song, “On the Floor” (featuring Pitbull, produced by RedOne), and the new season ready to kick off, Lopez revealed she’s really meshing with her fellow judges. “I love everybody,” she said back in October. “It’s such a machine. It runs like clockwork. … Everything’s great!” How do you think Jennifer Lopez will be as an “Idol” judge? Sound off in the comments below! Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com Wednesday (January 18) at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Jennifer Lopez: From The Block To ‘American Idol’ Related Artists Jennifer Lopez

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Britney Spears’ Choreographer Says ‘Hold It Against Me’ Video ‘Kills’

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Brian Friedman says rehearsals for the clip have been ‘incredible.’ By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears’ “Hold It Against Me” Photo: Jive Britney Spears is hard at work on her “Hold It Against Me” video. The pop diva is currently in rehearsals for the clip, set to shoot this week. And choreographer Brian Friedman couldn’t be more excited to share with fans all the hard work he and Brit are putting into the video’s smooth moves. “Just finished with @britneyspears & the dancers & I’m PUMPED!” he tweeted on Tuesday. “Day 1 was INCREDIBLE! #HIAMkills!” He previously tweeted, “Nothing beats waking up @ 7am for rehearsal! LOL not so much! Warm up dancers. … It’s Full Out! … Thrilled to get back in the studio tomorrow and Lock in ‘HIAM.’ … It’s getting closer peeps!” Friedman has said that Spears is taking some risks in this video. “This is a dance video. Rehearsals can get pretty rough,” he explained. “[It’s] the hardest dance track that she’s ever put out. … It’s infectious. The beat gets inside of you, and just when you think you know it, it takes a turn. The song, in particular, is one of my favorite songs I’ve heard off the bat. I’m really excited about choreographing it.” The clip will be directed by music-video vet Jonas

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Coachella 2011 Headlined By Kanye West, Kings Of Leon, Arcade Fire

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Brandon Flowers, the Black Keys, Robyn and Lauryn Hill also on the list for the April 15-17 festival. By Gil Kaufman Kanye West Photo: Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images Now that the obligatory fake lineup rumors have subsided, we can finally bask in the glory that is the real roster of heavy hitters who will be taking the stage at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This year’s headliners include Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire and the Strokes, accompanied by the usual complement of classic indie band reunions and comebacks from the likes of Big Audio Dynamite, London Suede and Duran Duran. They’ll be joined for the three-day event (April 15, 16, 17) at the picturesque Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, by a huge roster of current acts that includes: the Black Keys, Interpol, the Chemical Brothers, Robyn, Brandon Flowers, Lauryn Hill, Crystal Castles, Cee Lo Green, Cold War Kills, Sleigh Bells, Animal Collective, Mumford and Sons, Bright Eyes, Broken Social Scene, Erykah Badu, Cage the Elephant, the National, PJ Harvey, Wiz Khalifa, Nas and Damian Marley, and Neon Trees. The festival, which prides itself on an eclectic mix of indie, techno, dance and hip-hop, will also feature !!!, Afrojack, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, A-Trak, Best Coast, Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, Caifanes, Chromeo, Cold Cave, Cut Copy, Death From Above 1979, Duck Sauce, Ellie Goulding, Empire of the Sun, Flogging Molly, Foals, Francis and the Lights, Gayngs, Glasser, Jimmy Eat World, Klaxons, Leftfield, Marina and the Diamonds, Ozomatli, Paul van Dyk, Raphael Saadiq, Ratatat, Rye Rye, Scissor Sisters, Tame Impala, the Drums, the Joy Formidable, the Kills, the New Pornographers, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the Swell Season, Tinie Tempah, Titus Andronicus and Warpaint. For the full lineup, go to Coachella.com . Three-day weekend passes ($269) and camping passes ($75) go on sale this Friday. Related Artists Kanye West Arcade Fire Kings Of Leon

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Regis Philbin Retires From ‘Live! With Regis And Kelly’

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

28-year talk-show veteran says hosting ‘was the biggest thrill of my life.’ By Jocelyn Vena Regis Philbin Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images After 28 years as the co-host of “Live!” Regis Philbin announced Tuesday (January 18) that he will retire. Philbin told viewers live on-air that this will be his last year hosting the morning talk show mainstay. “It’s been a long time: It’s been 28 years since I’ve been here. And it was the biggest thrill of my life to come back to New York, where I grew up as a kid watching TV in the early days, never even dreaming that I would one day have the ability, or whatever it takes, to get in front of the camera and talk to it,” he explained , with co-host Kelly Ripa by his side. “Everything must come to an end for certain people on-camera, especially certain old people,” he joked. Further information about when Philbin’s last day will be or who might replace him was not announced, however he added, “This is gonna happen sometime the end of the summer or fall. We’ll have a lot of fun between now and then!” Ripa, who has been hosting the show with Philbin for nearly a decade, added , “I think I can only speak for America, and all of us here, when I say it has been a pleasure and a privilege and a dream come true. And I wish I could do something to change your mind.” Ripa joined Philbin in 2001 after current “Today” host Kathie Lee Gifford left the show in 2000. Gifford was the show’s second co-host: It began in 1983 with the name “The Morning Show” and Cyndy Garvey by Philbin’s side. Gifford replaced Garvey in 1985. Three years later, the show went national and gained the “Live! With Regis And Kathie Lee” moniker. TMZ reports that Ripa had no idea Philbin was going to make the announcement Tuesday. Sources told the website the daytime vet alerted his co-host of the announcement only 15 minutes before they went live. The source adds that Ripa was “stunned,” but “she wasn’t upset.” Philbin reportedly decided to stay mum until the last minute for fear that the news might leak. Are you surprised by Regis Philbin’s retirement? Tell us in the comments!

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Wiz Khalifa And Snoop Dogg’s ‘That Good’ Video Hits Net

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

First clip from duo’s upcoming ‘High School’ soundtrack shows kush-loving MCs enjoying baked goods. By Jayson Rodriguez Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa Photo: MTV News Wiz Khalifa looks like he’ll fit in just fine in Los Angeles. The lanky Pittsburgh rapper recently announced plans to relocate to the West Coast this year, and in his and Snoop’s new video for “That Good,” Wiz plays the part of Cali OG to the fullest. The Taylor Gang head takes in the green ways of Snoop and Tha Dogg Pound’s Daz Dillinger in the clip. “I’m smoking everywhere I go,” Wiz sings over the breezy production while seated at a kitchen table with Snoop and company poring over medicinal items. The video, which shows Snoop and Wiz cruising around town in a haze of smoke, serves as the first visual offering from the pair’s upcoming movie and soundtrack, “High School.” The joint project was originally announced earlier this month with no release date or title. Then, in an interview with DJ Skee Snoop revealed the movie title and suggested the flick would go straight to DVD in time for an April 20 release — a nod to smokers — but the “That Good” clip ends with a message saying the project will arrive in June. On Skee’s Hip-Hop Nation radio show, Snoop further explained that the concept of the LP and movie was a union of generations. “We decided to go ahead and say, ‘You know what? Let’s do a movie and a soundtrack and just become, you know, bosom buddies and do what we do, ’cause we love what we do and we love each other and at the same time we know what the people want,’ ” Snoop said. “The people want to see the two generations come together where hip-hop ain’t about old school and new school. It’s just about good music and making good moves and putting something out there that’s classic where people can respect it and say, ‘Yeah, so now, this was some gangsta sh– that really made hip-hop gradually grow to another level.’ ” Although Snoop’s collabos with Wiz have been keeping him busy, the Cali vet also has a solo project on the way: The Doggumentary album is due March 29. What do you think of the “That Good” video? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Snoop Dogg Wiz Khalifa

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Steven Tyler Explains His ‘American Idol’ Judging Style

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I take what I’ve grown up with, which is being a very harsh judge of myself, of my vocals, of my band,’ Aerosmith frontman says. By Kara Warner Steven Tyler Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images The “American Idol” season 10 premiere is just a day away, and to celebrate, MTV News has been rolling out our big guns, with “Idol” cheat sheets , breaking news and everything you need to know before Wednesday night’s big opener. On Tuesday (January 18), we had the opportunity to chat with new judge Steven Tyler, by way of a conference call with a handful of curious reporters. The Aerosmith frontman was just as energetic and amusing as he’s been in recent appearances, proving that his presence and commentary on the show will likely be a highlight each week. Of his experience thus far, Tyler said it has been good, adding that his judging style comes from his personal experience in the business. “I don’t take what happened to me this morning or last night or with the band … I don’t take that into judging kids [like] other people might have,” Tyler explained. “I kind of take what I’ve grown up with, which is being a very harsh judge of myself, of my vocals, of my band, and lay that across the talent that comes across my view.” Given that Tyler seems to be enjoying his new position — particularly that he gets to sit next to fellow newbie Jennifer Lopez, who he called “a fox,” — everyone wants to know how long he plans to be on the show. “I have more than a one-year contract,” Tyler revealed. “But as you know, things are what they are. But I have more than a one-year contract. I’ll give you that one.” Although we’re still far from season 11, we also got an early tip for next season’s contestants. Tyler cautioned against auditioning with Aerosmith tunes, specifically “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” — unless you can knock it out of the park. “They have to sing it good, you know. They must have sung in the seven weeks [of auditions], they probably got, you know, 15, 16 [performances of] ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,’ ” Tyler said. “It was hard for me because it always seemed to me when they said they were going to sing it, I knew someone at home was … like, ‘If you sing that song, Tyler will be enamored.’ And when I didn’t like it, I felt a little ill at ease to tell them, ‘You know what? You really didn’t sing it good.’ ” But Tyler said that if we should hear any Aerosmith on the show beyond the tryout rounds, those performances will likely be solid. “If any of them sing it now, remember we are down to 20 great people. So if they did, it would be nothing but good.” Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com this Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Announces Its Season 10 Judges! Related Artists Steven Tyler

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50 Cent Wants Next Album To Have ‘Aggression’ Of His Debut

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘ Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was all the dysfunctional behavior I had seen my entire life,’ Fif tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting Josh Horowitz 50 Cent Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images Last year was quiet on the music front for 50 Cent but the G-Unit superstar is looking to change that in 2011. “I’m about 80 percent done with my new album,” he told MTV News over the weekend about his forthcoming LP, Black Magic. “It should be out this summer, I’m working on that. It’s exciting; we’ll see how everyone responds to that.” For the collection, 50 is expected to hearken back to his early projects, like the material from his debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. “The content had extreme aggression,” he said of his first album. “What I offered on Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was all the dysfunctional behavior I had seen all my entire life and I became the album to the general public.” The rapper’s most recent project, 2009’s Before I Self Destruct, became the lowest-selling album in the self-described “SoundScan Killer” ‘s career. Yet, as always, he remained relevant in part because of his business savvy, pushing Lloyd Banks’ The Hunger for More 2 on the revamped G-Unit Records. Banks, who worked with 50’s former music rival Kanye West on HFM2, suggested late last year that the G-Unit head and West could unite soon on record. And although there aren’t any set plans for a collaboration, 50 has been following West’s moves, in particular, his joint album with Jay-Z , slated to arrive this year. “It should be interesting,” Fif said of Watch the Throne. “When you’ve got two artists, it’s a good combination, good collaborations should come out of it.” Do you think 50 should revisit his “Get Rich” sound on his next album? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Related Artists 50 Cent

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Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Video To Be Directed By Jonas Akerlund

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Director has worked with Madonna and Lady Gaga in the past. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images The Lady Gaga vs. Britney Spears battle continues now that Gaga’s “Telephone” video director, Jonas

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Britney Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’ Video To Be Directed By Jonas Akerlund

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Director has worked with Madonna and Lady Gaga in the past. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Getty Images The Lady Gaga vs. Britney Spears battle continues now that Gaga’s “Telephone” video director, Jonas

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Lady Gaga’s New Single Is ‘So Beautiful,’ RedOne Says

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Born This Way producer says, ‘We get into the studio and suddenly magic happens.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias Lady Gaga Photo: Steven Lawton/FilmMagic On February 13, Lady Gaga will finally release the first single off her highly anticipated May release, Born This Way . Sure, Gaga has said she wants this to be the best album of the decade and that it will most likely “piss people off,” but little is known about the album’s vibe sonically. Her producer, RedOne, wouldn’t spill too many details about the single when MTV News caught up with him at the LA Times’ The Envelope Roundtable – Music Producers, but he did let everyone know that the pair have once again made magic happen. “I think it’s too precious to talk about,” RedOne explained. “It’s so beautiful, and Gaga is very special to all of us — to the world.” Last fall, Gaga blew her fans away when she released “Bad Romance,” a catchy, incredibly massive tune including her very own Gaga battle cry. The epic lead single off The Fame Monster has fans and haters wondering if she could ever top herself. RedOne said you don’t have to worry about that. “Honestly, the only thing we do is we get into the studio and suddenly magic happens,” he said. “We never overthink, or we just do what we do. That’s how it all started. With ‘Just Dance,’ we did it in one hour. There was no overthinking. Even though I remember when we did ‘Poker Face,’ people said musically it brought something new to the music and you won’t be able to top it, we went into the studio and we did ‘Bad Romance’ on a bus. “That explains how we do it, so I can’t tell you anything about what’s coming but that’s what we do. We just get in and do music we love and feel it, and thank God it comes out good.” How do you expect Born This Way to sound? Give us your predictions in the comments! Related Artists Lady Gaga

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