‘We Found Love’ singer will be the musical guest on the May 5 episode, hosted by Eli Manning. By John Mitchell Rihanna Photo: Getty Images Rihanna will hit the “Saturday Night Live” stage for the third time when she performs on the legendary sketch comedy show on May 5. New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will host. The pop star has a long history with the show and has always been a standout guest. While she always nails it on stage for her musical performance, Rihanna also tends to pop up throughout the show to flex her comedy muscles in sketches and, most notably, in rumored-to-be-departing Andy Samberg’s buzzed-about digital shorts. Her first “Shy Ronnie” short landed an Emmy nomination and she reprised the role for another digital short over Halloween weekend in 2010, playing Clyde to Shy Ronnie’s Bonnie as the unlikely couple holds up a bank and Ronnie’s bashful nature causes their plan to go array. For all intents and purposes, Rihanna’s appearance is to promote both her album Talk That Talk and her film debut in the upcoming “Battleship,” but for those still keeping an eye on the happenings of Ri Ri and ex Chris Brown, it’s worth noting that May 5 is also Brown’s birthday, so get ready for plenty of “will Chris Brown show up for a surprise appearance” speculation. The gig will be Manning’s first time hosting, though he made a brief cameo when his brother, Peyton, hosted in 2007. Are you excited for Rihanna’s “SNL” return? Do you think Chris Brown will show up with some “Birthday Cake”? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists Rihanna
Career-spanning set features icons’ newest tracks and older fan favorites. By Mary J. DiMeglio Radiohead’s Thom Yorke performs during day two of the Coachella music festival Photo: Getty Images INDIO, California — Radiohead brought their huge sound and eye-candy backdrop to the Coachella festival’s polo fields Saturday night in a fairly mellow set, heavy with cuts from their latest offering, The King of Limbs . Amidst their newest tracks — including “Morning Mr Magpie,” “Lotus Flower” and “Give Up the Ghost” — the British rock icons sprinkled tunes spanning much of their catalog, from Kid A rave-up “Idioteque” to In Rainbows’ “Bodysnatchers” and “15 Step.” Of “Karma Police,” their first classic selection of the night, singer Thom Yorke said, “You know those people who are only talking to you because they want something from you? You need to take a cold shower afterwards.” Radiohead, who last graced the polo fields in 2004, are also headlining Bonnaroo in June. The fivesome answered calls for an encore with longtime fan favorite “Lucky,” “Reckoner” and the alternately soaring and intense “Paranoid Android.” Coachella’s second day also featured Bon Iver, David Guetta, the Shins and A$AP Rocky. In response to last year’s event selling out — a week after the 2011 lineup was announced — the festival is experimenting with hosting the same artists for two consecutive three-day weekends: April 13-15 and April 20-22. The Black Keys, Swedish House Mafia and Pulp rocked Friday’s chilly opening day . Today’s (April 15) third and final day brings Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg (rumored to contain an appearance by the late Nate Dogg as a hologram ), Florence and the Machine, Justice, Calvin Harris and the reunited At the Drive-In. Did you go to Coachella? Share your review in the comments below! Related Artists Radiohead David Guetta Usher
‘I want some money if we do a Black Hippy album,’ L.A. rapper says jokingly about recording a group project. By Sowmya Krishnamurthy Schoolboy Q Photo: MTV News Over the past few months, Black Hippy, the Los Angeles-based group featuring Kendrick Lamar , Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q, has gained massive momentum as a collective to watch in hip-hop. When rapper Schoolboy Q stopped by “RapFix Live” this week, he explained what it will to take to facilitate a Black Hippy group album. Q recounts that initially music wasn’t his focus, but once he caught the performing bug, the group quickly bonded. “Once I gained the passion for music, we all clicked,” he explains. He’s been generating a name for himself as a solo artist and even sold out his own New York City show this week, and the Habits & Contradictions rapper is more than open to recording a collective Black Hippy album, but only if the price is right. “I want some money if we do Black Hippy,” he said, laughing. “We all here for one goal and that’s to prevail in this music, live comfortably and stay happy.” Earlier this year, Schoolboy Q told MTV News that he was considering a joint project with Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky. (The duo joined forces on the standout single “Hands on the Wheel” and on Rocky’s own mixtape Live.Love.A$AP. ) “We’re definitely talkin’ right now. We may give y’all a project, but it all has to be right,” Q said. “A$AP is the homie, man. We kinda live the same lifestyle. I’m a little more gangsta than him, and he’s a little more swagger than me, but we kinda the same sh–, just different places.” What would you want to hear on a Black Hippy album? Leave your comment below! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Gets A New Point Of View Related Artists ScHoolboy Q
‘I came into the game with Cash Money, and I’m gonna ride it out with my team,’ Wayne says on ‘Hip Hop POV.’ By Nadeska Alexis Lil Wayne Photo: C. Flanigan/ FilmMagic Cash Money Records plans to drop approximately 16 albums this year, and at least one of them will come from , who is currently working on two new LPs. But if there was any worry that Weezy would take his future projects elsewhere, the New Orleans rapper confirms that he recently signed another four-album deal with Cash Money. During an interview on the debut episode of MTV’s “Hip Hop POV,” Lil Wayne confirmed that he’s sticking with his team. “Everybody knows I came into the game at 11 years old with Cash Money Records, before we even had a major deal,” Wayne said. “We signed a deal in I don’t remember when, and I been with Cash Money ever since. So if you’re looking for integrity, I am the definition. If you’re looking for a person that’s gonna stay down, I am the definition. If you’re looking for loyalty, I am just that.” Despite a few tumultuous years, Wayne maintains that all is right in the world of YMCMB. “Trust me, there’s been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of downs — all the down way down if you wanna know,” he said. “But I rode it out with my team and I’m gonna ride it out with my team.” I Am Not a Human Being 2, the sequel to Wayne’s 2010 release, is the next project on the horizon, and he’s also at work on an album called Devol, which he wrote during his time in prison. According to Wayne, I Am Not a Human Being 2 will give him the most creative freedom. “Contract-wise, I only get paid for 12 songs. Maybe on a Carter album, you probably only gonna get 12 songs, maybe a bonus 13,” he explained “But on this I Am Not a Human Being thing, I really don’t care. … You’re probably gonna get 16 on there. “The I Am Not a Human Being 2 is more me just being creatively free,” he added. Lil Wayne dropped his most recent album, Tha Carter IV, last summer. By February the album had sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide. Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Gets A New Point Of View Related Artists Lil Wayne
30-year-old Quamine Taylor tries on Diddy’s clothes, eats his food and drinks his liquor during his stay. By Kate Callahan Diddy Photo: Getty Images Diddy ‘s intruder strikes again. Quamine Taylor, an apparent fan of the rap mogul, was arrested on April 1 when he was found squatting in Diddy’s mansion in East Hampton, New York. E! News reveals that 30-year-old Taylor was trying on Diddy’s clothing, eating his food and drinking his liquor during his stay at the mansion. According to a report from the East Hampton Town Police Department, Taylor took a train from New York City, then a cab to Diddy’s estate on March 31. Taylor then entered the mansion through an unlocked basement door but tripped an alarm. When a police officer and an alarm company representative arrived to deal with the triggered alarm, Taylor successfully convinced them that he had permission from Diddy to stay at the mansion. Taylor wasn’t removed from the grounds for another 24 hours, when a caretaker for the estate discovered him and finally called the police. The last time Taylor was caught creeping on Diddy’s Hamptons estate was back in June 2001. Taylor was found lounging near the pool at the mansion and somehow managed to convince security that he was Diddy’s cousin. Taylor is currently being held at the Suffolk County Jail for trespassing and petit larceny on $2,000 bail. Related Artists Diddy
After Perry tweeted that she’s changed up her locks (again), MTV News remembers her more daring ‘dos. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry Photo: Steve Granitz/ Getty Images Breaking news: Katy Perry has changed her hair again! The singer took to Twitter to announce that she’s found a new hair color, but her fans will have to wait to find out what it is. “You know what’s great about having poison oak?! NOTHING #itchgasm Somehow in the middle of all this… I found time to change my hair color,” she wrote. “Finally… #takeaguess #foreverawalkingpantonepalette.” Despite not sharing too much about her hair color, she did offer up this tidbit of a tease about her current look: “Pretty stoked about my 90’s The Craft meets Garbage meets Tank Girl meets early No Doubt meets Ty from Clueless lewk 4 dis wknd #ohmygoth.” Perry had famously been sporting berry-blue hair since January, changing the hue and length but maintaining indigo as the base, strutting her blue self all over carpets, hitting up events and wearing it in an ad campaign for Adidas . “Of course, being Katy, she is a lot more edgy and she’s cooler and she likes to take a lot of risks. And I love that she’s like, ‘I’m feeling a little blue, let’s go blue’ — not in her energy, just in her hair color,” Perry’s hair colorist , Rita Hazan, explained to MTV News. “I felt like it’s the perfect color for her, because her eyes are blue and she has the perfect skin tone to be a really vibrant, really cool, intense blue.” Now, it seems that Perry has once again changed up her look — and Hazan said that’s just Katy being Katy. “She’s kind of this candy-coated sort of person,” Hazan said. “It’s nice to see her experiment with different things.” Fans might have to wait to see what Perry’s latest look is, but to tide you over, MTV News has rounded up some of Perry’s wildest, most memorable hairstyles — so far. 2010 Kids’ Choice Awards Perry kept it traditionally Katy, sporting what happens to be her signature look: black hair with cropped, Bettie Page-style bangs. To make the look even more Perry-fied, she graced the carpet in a multicolored, sparkly, showgirl-style bodysuit and sparkly heels. 2011 Grammys In a particularly glam moment, Perry softened her sometimes-severe hair and went for soft waves. Sure, it was still jet-black, but the middle part and the curls fit the occasion, giving her a truly old school Hollywood look, certainly matching her angelic ensemble. “Smurfs” Premiere Later in 2011, Perry began to get more and more experimental with her hair color. Transitioning out of the black, Katy hit up the “Smurfs” red carpet in July surprisingly not in blue hair, but in an ombre look that faded from blonde to strawberry blonde. She paid homage to Smurfette by donning a sequined dress with the character’s image on it. 2011 VMAs Pulling a completely funky move on her way through the rainbow, shortly after the “Smurfs” premiere, she hit up the VMAs in late August with piercing pink hair. It was a look she adopted right before going blonde and then settling on the blue. Dressed up like a couture geisha, Perry’s lavender-hued pink was flirty and fun. 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards Throwing her blue hair for a loop, Perry hit up the Kids’ Choice Awards last month with a multihued ponytail. With touches of purple and blue, the neon hair recalled lots of the colors she had been sporting over the last few months, serving as the perfect farewell to this phase of her hair evolution. Plus, it just happened to go perfectly with her bright-green outfit. Do you have a favorite Katy Perry hair look? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Katy Perry
‘He was honest and said exactly what the audience was thinking,’ fan Adam Lichtenstein says at show taping. By Uptin Saiidi Howard Stern outside “America’s Got Talent” auditions in New York Photo: Bobby Bank/WireImage Talent-competition show “America’s Got Talent” doesn’t premiere until May 14, but hundreds of fans came out to see tapings of the show in New York this week. When MTV News spoke to fans waiting to go into an audition taping Thursday afternoon (April 12), most said they were there because they’re fans of new judge Howard Stern, and some admitted they’d never even seen “AGT.” “He was honest and said exactly what the audience was thinking, and I think it’s going to add a big thing to the show,” Adam Lichtenstein, a fan so impressed by Stern he returned for a second day of taping, told MTV News. “Going into the show, we expected Howard to be a little bit mean, but he was honest, exactly like he was on the radio, and he didn’t let down.” Since the announcement came in December that Stern will be taking the place of Piers Morgan on the show, viewers have had mixed reactions , but most seem eager to check out his judging style. Joey Boots, a frequent contributor on Stern’s Sirius XM radio show, weighed in on what Howard will be like as a judge. “He’s been judging on his show for all these years, but a lot of people haven’t tuned in to the Howard Stern show because they hear how raunchy it can be. Now that he’s with ‘AGT,’ people are going to see how honest he is as a judge.” Howard’s new place at the table may mean his loyal fanbase could get even bigger. Boots observed people’s opinions change at the first show tapings. “I already talked to people before they’ve gone in talking about, ‘Oh, I don’t like Howard Stern,’ but after they come out they’re like, ‘I love the guy.’ To see that is great and I think that’s great for America, it’s great for Howard Stern and it’s great for ‘America’s Got Talent.’ ” When it came to how Howard might get along with fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel, Boots admitted things might get rocky. “I’m sure there’s going to be arguing going on because he’s going to keep it real, and part of that is disagreeing with each other and I know that there’s gonna be a lot of disagreements, but it’s good. Hopefully everybody just keeps it real. That’s Howard’s motto.” With an unprecedented amount of talent-based reality shows hitting the small screen these days, it’s Stern’s straightforward style that might ultimately keep viewers turning in. “That’s what a show like this needs. Not somebody that’s going to be pressured like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna vote him in because I feel sorry for him.’ I don’t want somebody voted in favor of because they might be old or something, or it’s a little kid. Hey, if you’re not talented, get off the stage!”
‘I think they thought she was safe,’ Randy Jackson adds, speaking to MTV News. By Kelly Marino “American Idol” Judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler Photo: MTV News Thursday night’s “American Idol” turned out to be the most shocking episode of the season thus far, proving one sure thing: America got it all wrong this week. The judges were quick to point that out when they unanimously decided to save 16-year-old singing prodigy Jessica Sanchez before she could even finish her last-chance performance song after receiving the lowest votes. Sanchez, who has impressed the judges week after week with renditions of songs well beyond her years, “slayed the biggest fish of the night,” according to Randy Jackson, with her performance of “Stuttering” by Jazmine Sullivan on Wednesday night. She even had guest mentor Akon predicting legend status one day, only fueling the fire that the singer, a.k.a. Bebe Chez, was well on her way to becoming a title hopeful. So what went wrong? “Well, I think [America] thought she was safe,” explained Jackson, who stopped by backstage to speak on Sanchez’s behalf. “I think they thought she was safe, I’m sure, and I think they thought Joshua was safe because those two alone, with Colton and some of the others, have been the most consistent. So, you know, yeah, I think they just forgot.” Probably the most inconsistent of the final seven who was a sure bet to be the one sent packing last night was Hollie Cavanagh. Despite her strong vocals, her nerves and stiff stage presence have led the little English southern belle to the bottom three for weeks now. But after her less than perfect performance of “Perfect” Wednesday night, she dodged the bullet completely this time around thanks to her devoted fans. “She’s got a lot of fans out there. A lot of people love her. I mean, look, all of these kids are very talented, and you just said it a minute ago,” Jackson said, turning to judge Steven Tyler. “They’re all individual, they’re all different.” “I mean, the proof is that one sings great, the other one’s style is crazy great,” added Tyler, comparing Cavanagh and Sanchez. “And then you got Elise, who just laughs all the time and just takes it just so effortlessly free. And there’s just so many different singers out there. That’s why it’s hard for me now. I like to let America judge. Tonight they were wrong.” So with the panel deciding to rescue San Diego’s savvy young diva, all seven contestants will return to the stage Wednesday night to continue to fight for the crown. But there’s one catch: Next week two finalists will be given the boot. Will Sanchez be one of the two to go, or will she take Jennifer Lopez’s advice and take the audience on a ride like they’ve never seen before? Who knows? Let’s see if America gets it right this time. 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’ Season 11 Performances Related Artists Aerosmith
Remaining seven get current Wednesday night, taking on hits from this decade with surprisingly great results. By James Montgomery Joshua Ledet Photo: Getty Images On Wednesday’s “American Idol,” the crowd was crazy (except for poor Hollie Cavanagh), the judges slightly cracked (comparing Phillip Phillips to the lovechild of Steve McQueen and Johnny Cash) and the music actually current. Shoot, for a second there, you probably thought you were watching “The Voice” or something. Yes, it was a big night in “Idol” land, as the top seven took on songs from this decade with surprisingly good results. Most soared and scored, and though we can’t believe no one did an Adele tune, we’ve gotta say, the remaining contestants definitely brought the goods. Perhaps they should just sing contemporary songs every week? But whose performances earned the highest marks? Who fell to the back of the class? And what the heck was going on with the crowd after Hollie’s performance? For answers to all of those questions and more, here’s our “American Idol” report card: Jessica Sanchez: Her family is officially my favorite ever. Her decision to do Jazmine Sullivan’s “Stuttering” may have mystified Jimmy Iovine, but it was clearly the right call. She split the difference between previous big-voiced stunners and all that Bebe Chez stuff, threw in some stank (and some scatting) and delivered a performance that, quoth Randy Jackson, “Slayed the biggest fish of the night.” So much voice, so emotionally over-the-top, and so diva-riffic — and all seemingly so effortless, Sanchez flexed her talents and fired back after a few weeks in the wilderness. “Every time I hear you sing, I forget where I am,” Steven Tyler said. So, he hears her sing in grocery stores and behind the wheel? A- Joshua Ledet: He acted adorably upon getting a birthday message from Fantasia. He’s clearly found his lane over the past few weeks, and his confidence seems to grow with each subsequent performance. This week, he did Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby,” which started vampy, campy and maybe even a tad bit old fashioned (even for a retroist like Mars), but it really picked up speed in the second half, building to a big note and a fiery finish, earning Ledet the night’s first standing ovation. He’s certainly a dynamic performer, but is he also a current one? That might be the only thing standing between him and the title. Oh, and Colton Dixon’s female fanbase. Grade: B+ Hollie Cavanagh: Man, even her hometown visit was boring. Chose to sing Pink’s “Perfect” (or, as she put it, “Pay-feckt”) and, clearly rattled by repeat visits to the bottom three, had the thousand-yard stare going from her intro package onward. But, she delivered the goods onstage, with a performance that was both confident and restrained. And that last note! Apparently, however, my opinion was in the minority, as the judges did everything short of zipping up her suitcases and booking her a window seat. J.Lo gave her the “You look beautiful” and the “We’ll see how it all pans out” (double kiss of death). Steven mumbled something about it “Not being perfect,” and Randy, addressing the odd vacuum of tension in the room, only added, “It’s all of a sudden very quiet in here.” Jeez, this is getting difficult to watch. End it now. B Skylar Laine: Producers introduced us to her new Twitter tag — #skoutlaws — which, upon first glance, looks like “Skoal” (oddly fitting). She played it safe by choosing Kellie Pickler’s “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” which showed off her vocal range by … uh, displaying how adept she was at playing rhythm guitar. Her performance was proficient, professional and pretty much perfect, but still felt like a step back from last week’s breakout “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Loved the hobo trashcan fires though. B- Elise Testone: She decided to tackle Lady Gaga’s “You and I” ( told you she would ) and was sadly talked out of playing drums by Jimmy Iovine, which probably would’ve been the unintentional comedy highlight of 2012. The performance was passionate, if not particularly polished, but that’s been par for the course with her in recent weeks. She can bring it, for sure, though if (when) she survives, perhaps it’s time to soften things up just a tad? “Elise is back!” Randy enthused. Until next week, of course. B- Colton Dixon: The most famous alumnus of the Middle Tennessee Christian School (go Cougars!) went Apex Predator this week, throwing shade at fellow fella Phillip Phillips and swinging for the fences with Skylar Grey’s “Love the Way You Lie.” With a string section, some smoke and a soaring-for-the-sake-of-soaring bridge, Dixon was clearly in it to win it, though thanks to the arrangement’s languid pacing and CDix’s longing stares into the camera, this one very nearly veered into self-parody. The girls loved it, of course. Oh, and any time Steven and Randy compliment your choice of jacket, well, perhaps it’s time to fire your stylist. C+ Phillip Phillips: “Idol” producers played up his rural roots and pawn-shop past by piping the theme from “Sanford and Sons” into his hometown package. Classy. Phillip refused to take part in Iovine’s Machiavellian scheme to pit him against Colton, which automatically makes me like him 10x more than CDix. His version of Maroon 5’s “Give a Little More” featured all the usual Phillips’ trademarks (grouting, foot shuffling, forehead-veining) though, credit where credit is due: Thanks to the addition of a sax player, he basically turned this into a Dave Matthews Band performance. “I think we’ve seen that a couple times,” Randy said. Yeah, dawg, like on Under the Table and Dreaming. C Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Share your reviews of this week’s “Idol” performances in the comments section below! Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances
Following the lawsuit from a same-named band, your Twitter suggestions for a new name keep pouring in! By Gil Kaufman One Direction Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images It could be weeks, or months, before we find out what will happen with the $1 million lawsuit against red-hot British boy band One Direction over their name. An unsigned American group who claims to have had the same name for several years has filed the suit seeking an injunction, so on Wednesday we set up the hashtag #New1DName and asked you to offer your suggestions for a new 1D moniker. In a statement obtained by MTV News, Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment responded to the suit, indicating that 1D fans have nothing to worry about. “There is a dispute with a local group in California about the ownership of the One Direction name in the US.,” read the statement. “One Direction’s management tried to resolve the situation amicably when the matter first came to light, but the Californian group has now filed a lawsuit claiming they own the name. One Direction’s lawyers now have no choice but to defend the lawsuit and the band’s right to use their name.” And while plenty of you took the same stance as 1D’s reps and said the band shouldn’t and wouldn’t budge, way more of you came up with some creative, silly and sometimes unprintable suggestions. Many of you played the numbers game: 5 Directions (@rachy__g), 5BoysStillBelieving and 5 Boys With a Dream (@AudrieLeung143), 1Dream (@My1Defulboys), The Perfect 5 (@1DSmile4ever), 5 UK White Boys (@DrunkHaymitchPN), 1Derful (@My1Defulboys), 5 Heart-Throbs (@1DSmile4ever) and 1Dful 5 (@idancewith2phit). Others went the (slightly) naughty, or cheeky route: Wander Action (pronounced quickly as “wonderaction”) (@clairebear0011), One Erection (@ThreeDirectionz), Let’s Make Simon Cowell Even Richer (@jj_watching), The Panty Parade (@DrunkHaymitchPN), Niall and the Leprecauns and Harry and the Pussy Cats (@MarisaDelynne), Genericteenboyband123 (@tdreeves), The Curly Girlies (@AshleighKathy) and 4 Brits and an Irish (@krystenwaddell). (And those are just the ones we could print!) There were plenty more variations on the original name: The Right Direction (@LatifaML), One Dimension (@KayleeMcNally), Direction 2.0 and UK Direction (@ThreeDirectionz), Forever Direction (@AudrieLeung143), Our Direction (@UniquelyJonas), The Sexy Direction (@ColiCristina_), UK One Direction (@Lisah961), On Direction (@AliceFxxx), One Detection (@its_nazzie), Fun Direction (@catocity), The Only Directions (@contAJAous), One End (@AliceFxxx), Route 1D (@jboogy259) and a slew of anagramatical head-scratchers from @fr0stypanda that included: Coin Oriented, Recited Onion, Cootie Dinner, Rice Noontide, Eco Rendition and Ironic Denote. And some of you just went for the cute, or the confusing: The Dark Side of Nothing and It’s Complicated (@kenziecrooks53), Cutest Boyiz Eva (@amaff8), Perfection (@1d_caryl1029), Zappers (@VasZAPpening), Larry and the Jets (@MNneeds1D), The Raveeners (@LuvBieberand1D), GPS Boys (@DrunkHaymitchPN), The Young Wild and Free and Paul and the Gummy Bears (@ThreeDirectionz) and Paul’s Piglets (@AshleighKathy). If One Direction have to change their name, what do you think it should be? Hit us at hashtag #New1DName to offer up your suggestions. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: One Direction Related Artists One Direction
