Ashley Hebert rejected Ryan Park not once, but twice this season. Still, she says The Bachelorette castoff is one of her top choices to be The Bachelor. Would Park consider a turn in the spotlight as ABC’s new Bachelor? “Maybe!” he said on a conference call with reporters, saying it would be an honor. While he was clearly stoked about the idea – almost as much as he is about tankless water heaters – he did say it’s no easy task to be in command. “Being the Bachelorette is hard!” Park said. “It’s unfortunate [Ashley] is being attacked for her insecurities, and how [Bentley Williams] preyed on that.” As for getting dumped twice, Ryan says he has no hard feelings. “When I was let go, I didn’t really understand, [but] now everything comes clear watching her chemistry with the other guys,” the 31-year-old said. Having been dispatched before the hometown dates, Ryan showed up in Fiji out of the blue in this week’s episode. Ashley sent him home again. “Timing has a place in every relationship. I do think Ashley and Icould
The Smurfs took over New York this weekend. The stars of the new movie walked the blue carpet including Katy Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Sofia Vergara, George Lopez and Jayma Mays.
The Smurfs took over New York this weekend. The stars of the new movie walked the blue carpet including Katy Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Sofia Vergara, George Lopez and Jayma Mays.
Clip keeps it simple, which, given the song’s power, is all it needs to do. By James Montgomery Demi Lovato in her video for “Skyscraper” Photo: Hollywood Records In recent days, Demi Lovato’s stirring new single “Skyscraper” has seemingly taken the world by storm (or at least the Internet). And, in what can only be described as “an incredibly refreshing change of pace,” the reason for its sudden surge in popularity has nothing to do with irony, our nascent sense of superiority or kittens (see: every popular YouTube clip in recent history, Rebecca Black’s “Friday”) and everything to do with the simple fact that she sings the hell out of it. But, in saying that, I’m probably downplaying several other reasons for the song’s ability to cut through the din. Like, for example, everything that’s happened in Lovato’s life leading up to this point or how, because of that, she connects with the song in ways that most didn’t think possible. She reveals new depths with each note, and when she hits that last chorus, and her voice is pushed to the point of breaking, well, if you don’t get goose bumps, then there’s a pretty good chance you’re not alive. In short, with one song, Demi Lovato has grown up before our very eyes. It’s sort of like we’ve all been handed this shiny new talent, seemingly out of the blue, and we don’t quite know how to react. So it’s fitting that such a career-making single now comes with an appropriately powerful music video, one that is bereft of any and all gimmickry (no elaborate costumes, epic set pieces or dazzling special effects) yet still manages to pack an emotional wallop. Directed by Mark Pellington (a man who knows a thing or two about making iconic clips), “Skyscraper” is nothing more than Lovato belting out the tune on the barren terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Sure, there’s some dramatically billowing fabrics and some shattered glass, but really, the song is the star. And that simplicity is perfect here, because the song provides all the pyrotechnics necessary. There is also a moment, right before that knee-buckling final chorus, where Lovato looks directly into the camera and very nearly breaks into tears. I’m not sure if she’s acting or not, but I doubt it, and really, it’s not like it matters. Not when a singer connects to a song on such a visceral level, especially one who’s already been through the wringer. With “Skyscraper,” Lovato has not only proven that she’s capable of remarkable things, but that she’s a survivor too. And, really, there’s nothing more that needs to be said. Not when the song does all the talking for you. What did you think of the “Skyscraper” video? Share your reviews in the comments. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato
Megan Fox is ready for her close up. Featured in Giorgio Armani’s summer 2011 beauty campaign, the actress seduces with her blue eyes and sexy lips, which is a change from earlier ads that focused on her body. Her ridiculous, ridiculous body … Click HERE to watch a video of Fox as the “face of beauty.” Says the actress of her role with this iconic brand: “I never anticipated or imagined that I would be working with someone like Mr. Armani. He’s an icon and his brand is so iconic. He has a really amazing energy and I’m just really flattered and humbled to be a part of it.” Oh, by the way: we really hate you, Shia LaBeouf .
Black Thought sits in for Eric B. at 25th anniversary concert. By Alvin Blanco Black Thought and Rakim Photo: MTV News NEW YORK — Rakim is an MC who hails from the era of hip-hop when samples were the source of most of rap music’s booming sounds. Wednesday night, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the iconic and influential MC’s debut album, Paid in Full, Rakim performed his seminal classic in its entirety with Philadelphia group The Roots providing all the backing instrumentation. MTV News caught up with “The R” and the Roots crew’s Black Thought at legendary New York jazz club the Blue Note, where the show went down, to discuss the two acts linking up and hip-hop’s embrace of live instruments. “The Roots is hip-hop royalty right now,” Rakim said. “From what they do, what they bring to the table, for them to holla at me, put this together, invite me out, that let me know, ‘Yo, it’s official.’ Otherwise, they wouldn’t. It’s a good feeling to be around this long and still get that love.” Eric B. dropped Paid in Full with Rakim on July 9, 1987, according to the RIAA, but Wednesday night, Black Thought assisted the God MC onstage as the Roots re-created all of the album’s beats with aplomb. The Long Island native performed songs from his classic album, such as “Eric B. is President” and “Move the Crowd.” The Roots, besides holding down duties as the in-house band for “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,” have backed a number of prominent hip-hop acts in the past, including Jay-Z. While MCs being backed by live bands is now a common occurrence, the Roots remember clearly when that was not the case. “Back then, I couldn’t even imagine people taking hip-hop seriously being played with live instrumentation,” Black Thought said. “When we first got our record deal, it was in the era of Nas and Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep and B.I.G. — we was like the odd man out. “Right now, hip-hop is as musical as it’s ever been. I feel like that’s a 360 degrees, man. From having to prove ourselves coming up to now it’s a standard. It’s almost unheard of to go out and do a tour … without having a band. For young kids coming up, they don’t know what it is to be in a realm of hip-hop without live instrumentation and musicality.” But even with hip-hop’s constant musical advancement and development, Black Thought still counted the boom-bap rhythms and lyrical innovations of the night’s special guest as a crucial inspiration, saying, “I wouldn’t have pursued the craft the way I pursued it and linked up with [Roots drummer] ?uestlove had it not been for Ra’s influence.” Share your memories of Paid in Full in the comments below! Related Artists Rakim The Roots
‘It’ll have to be around $900 million,’ Tech jokes MTV News about giving up his indie hustle for a major label. By Rob Markman Tech N9ne Photo: MTV News A strange thing happened to Tech N9ne after he dropped his All 6’s and 7’s LP last Tuesday: more than 55,000 devoted fans bought it, making it the fourth-highest selling album this week on the Billboard 200. Many are wondering how the Kansas City, Missouri, rapper got up in the top five among the likes of Adele and Lady Gaga. Well, credit his independent hustle and devoted fanbase for making the release a success. In addition to grabbing that #4 spot, All 6’s and 7’s also ranks as the #1 independent album and rap album this week. And according to Tech, major record companies have been expressing interest in striking a deal with his Strange Music label. “They’ve already been calling, since last year or the year before. They’ve already been calling and asking us questions and stuff,” he told MTV News during an intimate sit-down in his Lee Summit, Missouri, offices last week. Tech and his business partner Travis O’Guin established the indie label Strange Music in 1999, and have been releasing Tech’s music on it ever since. In 2009, it was revealed that the label earned approximately $15 million, thanks to the support of Tech’s fans, who call themselves “Technicians.” When it comes to giving up his independence, Tecca Nina isn’t so quick to sign though. Instead, he loftily aims to grow Strange Music into a major in its own right without partnering up. “I think Strange Music will be the major this year or next year. It’s looking that way,” he said. No matter how things turn out, it’s clear that Tech is happy just the way things are and couldn’t fathom selling off his company. “You might wanna ask Travis this question,” he said laughing, while deferring to O’Guin. “He’ll probably say it’ll have to be around $900 million or something [to sign a deal]. We’re good.” All 6’s and 7’s, which features Lil Wayne, T-Pain , B.o.B and Busta Rhymes, initially drew criticism from some of Tech’s fans, who frowned on the underground icon teaming up with mainstream stars. For some, collabos with such high-profile artists meant that Tech was selling out. “Different artists are supposed to hook up and make something beautiful, that’s what makes music wonderful, I think,” Tech said, defending against criticism. “I already knew what I was gonna do. When I get with these [well-known collaborators], the beats gotta say their names.” After selling 55,715 copies of the album in its first week, Strange Music can put any fear of a fan blacklash to bed.”I can give a sh– about a chart position,” O’Guin told us last week. “A fan telling me that they love the album means more than them little glass trophies. The people, I think, genuinely love the album.” What do you think of Tech N9ne’s success? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Tech N9ne
Experts weigh in on whether a GLAAD partnership and an apology are enough to make gay fans forgive the ’30 Rock’ star. By John Mitchell Tracy Morgan Photo: Andrew H. Walker/ Getty Images Earlier this week, Tracy Morgan announced that he would be working on GLAAD’s upcoming “Amplify Your Voice” anti-bullying public service campaign, in an effort to make amends for his recent anti-gay remarks at a comedy show in Nashville. But are a GLAAD partnership and a public apology enough to help the “30 Rock” star restore his image, particularly in the eyes of gay fans? “He’s also doing the full-on mea culpa: public apology in the place of transgression, public service announcement, the meeting with GLBT youth,” AfterElton.com editor Brent Hartinger told MTV News. “And it’s worth noting that he did it all fast, which counts a lot.” Former celebrity publicist and PopEater columnist Rob Shuter agreed that the speed with which Morgan addressed the issue may be key to redeeming himself publicly. “Whatever crisis a celebrity has, the best way to resolve it is quickly,” Shuter said. “People forget when you move on and stop talking about it. Tina Fey had to respond, and she did it within 24 hours; within the first phase of the story. That was a big favor. This will pan out best for him if he just gets it all out of the way. I think people believe he’s sorry, and that’s a big thing too.” If the public perceives that Morgan’s apology is sincere, that will no doubt help his cause. Hartinger noted that when former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington attempted to apologize for a similar, anti-gay gaffe, he did so while portraying himself as the wronged individual, saying his words had been taken out of context. Because of this, Washington’s mea culpa fell on deaf ears. Had he simply owned up to making a mistake, as Morgan has, the public would have been more apt to forgive him. His work with GLAAD and the fact that Morgan works alongside plenty of LGBT people at “30 Rock,” including co-star Cheyenne Jackson, have also revealed that Morgan leads what Hartinger calls a “bifurcated life.” “[He is] comfortable with out gay people in Hollywood and on the set of ’30 Rock,’ but also appeals and panders to an audience that’s comfortable with, even eager for, open homophobia. “He really needs to reconcile these two sides to his professional life,” Hartinger continued. “It’s not enough to continue to be cool around the gay folks at ’30 Rock’ — he was already doing that, so that’s not really an indication of anything sincere. But if he were to take his pro-gay ’30 Rock’ sensibility and somehow incorporate it into his blue-collar life and audience, that would mean a lot to me and would be an indication that his words are actually sincere.” Morgan also benefits from having a vehicle in “30 Rock” to remind people why he is famous in the first place and divert attention away from his comments — or, given the meta nature of the show, address them in a creative way. Shuter said this is often a problem for celebrities: Had Morgan been fired from “30 Rock,” he would have been stranded in his scandal with nowhere to turn. = “That’s why the crisis becomes the legacy, because they have nowhere to go to recover,” he observed. “So, as long as he has ’30 Rock,’ he’ll have something to move on to.” Moving on is key in crisis management, and Morgan has the opportunity to do just that. His willingness to team with GLAAD to address the controversy head on show he knows he did something wrong. He now has to prove to his fans that the homophobic vitriol he spouted from a Nashville stage was just a misguided and unfortunate attempt to shock, and then he’d be smart to lie low and let “30 Rock” do his talking for him for a while.
We all look to Mothers that we love at this time of year. In the next few hours we will be calling out to our mothers, godmothers, grandmothers, and aunts. We are calling to mind all the greatness that wiped our tears, calmed our fears and gave us endless cheers. For this dear Mothers we tell the world far and near thank you for everything dear. Words Of Wisdom From Black Celebrity Mothers The dictionary defines a mother , mom , mum , momma or mama , is a woman who has conceived, given birth to, or raised a child in the role of a parent. Because of the complexity and differences of a mother’s social, cultural, and religious definitions and roles, it is challenging to define a mother to suit a universally accepted definition. We all have women in our lives who give the love , care and nurturing that is needed so that we are well rounded individuals. Those women who do those simplest of things with ease are the greatest gifts any person can have. How To Deal With Relationships That Can Affect New Moms and Dads
Ludacris announced on his Facebook page, “I’m going to change my oil and change the world! I’m switching to a GREEN high performance made-in-America motor oil, G-OIL.” For those unfamiliar with G-OIL, it is an alternative to fossil fuel that is noted to be safer for the environment. The eco-friendly fuel is reportedly “made of a blend of nature’s American grown base oils and the first U.S. produced ultimate biodegradable bio-based motor oil to be approved by the American Petroleum Institute.” Luda’s switch to green didn’t just come out of the blue. Green Earth Technologies will donate money and products to The Ludacris Foundation to reinforce among urban youth that every day can be Earth Day. In exchange, the ATL Fast Five star will support the partnership via social media. Read the full story at Hip Hop Wired. RELATED: Ludacris To Play Cop In “New Years Eve” Movie RELATED: “Fast Five” Trailer [VIDEO] RELATED: Ludacris Talks Conjure, Fast & The Furious [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]
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