Ron Paul’s son and campaign surrogate Rand Paul is making the media rounds, laying into his competition and challenging the notion that Paul is unelectable. The U.S. Senator from Kentucky says his dad, who claimed one of three tickets out of Iowa , has a lot of money to continue pursuing the Republican presidential nomination. He fears, however, the oft-repeated media theorem that Ron Paul can’t win will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The “unelectable” argument is one he adamantly refutes. Specifically, Rand Paul took issue with Rick Santorum ‘s foreign policy in an interview with CNN, suggesting that he, not Paul, is the one out of the mainstream. Listen to Rand’s comments below and see if you agree: Rand Paul on CNN
Wow. Britney Spears showed off her engagement ring in a new Facebook photo today, but it’s not the rock we’re impressed by. The bride-to-be herself looks cute as ever! Oh yeah, and that diamond ring’s alright too. “I can’t stop looking at it!!” she wrote along with a photo of herself displaying the bauble inside either a nail salon … or her house, for all we know. She can afford it! Here’s the beaming future Mrs. Jason Trawick: Jason definitely did Brit proud when he popped the question with the nearly four-carat round Neil Lane diamond and pave band ring on his 40th birthday last month. No wedding date has yet been set, and the lovebirds aren’t rushing things. Nor are they planning a decadent affair, opting instead for a low-key wedding . After all she’s been through, probably a smart move. Here’s wishing them all the best, and hoping for more Britney Spears pictures like this one for our gallery. She’s never looked better – or happier.
While Us Weekly says Timberlake proposed last month, neither of the stars’ reps has commented on the report. By Jocelyn Vena Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake Photo: Getty Images On Wednesday (January 4), the Internet was abuzz after a report that Justin Timberlake had proposed to longtime girlfriend Jessica Biel. While there had been some chatter about a possible engagement before the holidays, the rumor mill went into overdrive when sources confirmed to Us Weekly that the couple had gotten engaged in late December. While neither of the stars’ reps has commented on the report, Us says the singer/actor asked Biel to marry him while vacationing in Jackson, Wyoming. “Justin knows how much she loves snowboarding and the mountains, so it was the perfect place,” the source said of the reported proposal. The couple, who began dating in 2007, broke up briefly in early 2011 , weeks after they attended Oscar parties together. According to the Us source, “When they reunited, they had a conversation about taking the next step.” Another source close to the singer said he’s “never been happier” and that “he knew it was the right time to propose.” At the time of their March 2011 split, a rep explained, “Addressing the media speculation regarding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake’s relationship, we are confirming that they mutually have decided to part ways. The two remain friends and continue to hold the highest level of love and respect for each other.” While the two got together again shortly after the breakup, they have always been plagued by speculation about their relationship, whether it be that they are breaking up or getting married. When asked about having to deal with all the attention, Biel told Vogue in 2012, “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t feel the need to clear anything up. It’s the most precious thing that I have in my life, and I care about it so much that I don’t care about what anyone says or thinks. I have just not addressed it in any real way, and I’m not going to. It’s mine. And I really like that about it.” The news of his engagement comes weeks after Timberlake’s former flame Britney Spears announced her engagement to longtime beau Jason Trawick. Related Photos Lovebirds: Justin Timberlake And Jessica Biel Related Artists Justin Timberlake
Third time’s the charm? Britney Spears only just announced her engagement to Jason Trawick , but she’s already making plans for the big day, according to close family sources. The singer is adamant that it be a much more low-key, traditional affair than her two previous weddings … both of which obviously did not turn out well. Hey, you live and learn right? An insider explains : “She wants a traditional Southern-style wedding with comfort food, surrounded by her family, her two sons and all of her childhood friends.” With the exception of Jason Alexander , we’re guessing. Insisting that she not have a “Hollywood wedding,” Britney “is taking this marriage really seriously.” Given everything she’s gone through, that’s good to hear. Hopefully this is a relationship that really will be forever. After all the celebrity breakups we’ve chronicled in the past year, that would be a refreshing change. [Photo: WENN.com]
Britney Spears is making this holiday season memorable with gifts to her fans – and we’re not just talking about her engagement to Jason Trawick , nice as that was. Earlier, she released a new/old song, ” Strangest Love ,” reportedly recorded (but never released) for 2003’s In The Zone . Now another new song has surfaced online. It’s an acoustic version of “Don’t Keep Me Waiting,” which was clearly enhanced with production on the album version. But this one is fun to listen to in its own way. Listen to Britney Spears in a rare acoustic setting and see what you think: Britney Spears – Don’t Keep Me Waiting (Acoustic) Thoughts on Spears’ acoustic version of ‘Don’t Keep Me Waiting’?
Perhaps taking a cute from Lady Gaga’s “Stuck on F—in’ You” , Britney Spears has released an old song of hers entitled “Strangest Love.” Old to her, new to us! While it’s rumored to be a holdover from the future Mrs. Jason Trawick’s In The Zone glory days of 2003, it was left off that album for a reason. It’s fairly tame. Still, it’s a decent if not amazing ballad, and a nice addition to Britney’s catalog. Listen to Spears’ leaked track and tell us what you think in the survey below: Britney Spears – Strangest Love What do you think of Britney Spears’ “Strangest Love”?
From Britney and Jason to K-Stew and R-Pattz, we look back at the best high-profile pair-ups of the year. By Jocelyn Vena Jason Trawick and Britney Spears Photo: Denise Truscello/ WireImage From young love to established romantic empires, 2011 was all about PDA. Some of La La Land’s most A-list couples weren’t shy about flaunting the love they share. From musicians to actors to everyone in between, the last 12 months were all about sharing the love. As the year winds down, MTV News is reflecting on some of our favorite couples of the year. Britney Spears and Jason Trawick The couple walked red carpets, gave each other shout-outs at awards shows and even got naked together in Britney’s “Criminal” video , but it wasn’t until December that they decided to make it official. After two years of dating, Spears and Trawick took their relationship to the next level, with confirmation that Jason put a ring on it . The pair celebrated their love and their impending nuptials in Las Vegas. Their engagement sparked headlines and left Spears “glowing.” Who is your top couple of 2011? Vote in our Newsroom poll! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Summing up Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez ‘s year into a little blurb isn’t that easy. They went to events together, and Bieber lavishly rented the Staples Center just to watch “Titanic.” And when they weren’t chilling out, they were giving shine to each other’s hard work. Or bringing each other gifts. Remember when Bieber showed Selena his pet snake, Johnson , at the VMAs? Yes, we knew you wouldn’t forget. Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson The two “Twilight” stars seem poised to make our favorite couples lists for years to come. While in years past, they’ve remained under the radar, this year they came out of their shell and opened up about one another in interviews. Who could forget the time that K-Stew referred to her not-so-mysterious “English” boyfriend in an interview? We’re assuming not R-Pattz. Beyonc
Welcome to THG’s Week in Review! Below, our staff takes a look back at the stories, stars and scandals that made these past seven days so memorable. If you don’t already, you can FOLLOW THG on Twitter and Facebook for 24/7/365 news. Day in and day out, let us be your celebrity gossip source! Now, a rundown of the week that was at The Hollywood Gossip :
Now we understand why celebrity fragrances are such big sellers. Madonna’s newest ad for her Truth or Dare product, a sultry black-and-white campaign featuring the singer looking quite glamorous (and quite nude), is quite seductive. And a little strange. That’s Madonna’s face next to Madonna: Truth or Dare? More like Truth or BARE! While it has the appearance of being some sort of reflection shot, but clearly, the facial expressions on the Madonna photos do not sync upon closer inspection. This is eerie, thought-provoking stuff. Maybe one side conveys truth and the other dare? If so, which side is the one displaying the serious cleavage here? And can we get Britney Spears to do a similar ad next?
Britney Spears tour and ‘Super Bass’ smash fuel the Young Money rapper’s ascent. By Nadeska Alexis Nicki Minaj Photo: Getty Images More than a few hip-hop fans will point to Kanye West ‘s single “Monster” as a defining moment in Nicki Minaj ‘s rap career. The newcomer from Queens, New York, managed to one-up Jay-Z on the track, with arguably one of the best verses of 2010, but it wasn’t until this year that the Trinidad-born firecracker broke through the noise and took pop culture by storm, catapulting her career to new heights. Fresh off a stint alongside Lil Wayne on the I Am Still Music Tour, which grossed $47 million in the U.S., Minaj — #6 on MTV News’ Top Newsmakers of 2011 list — made one of her biggest career leaps when she scored a spot opening for Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale Tour . Before the cross-country jaunt kicked off, the world got a chance to see the two take the stage together at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, where Minaj joined the pop icon for her “Till the World Ends (Remix).” An increased fanbase was the result of that tour, but Minaj’s Pink Friday single “Super Bass” also had plenty to do with her rising profile. The catchy tune, with its colorful video, caught the attention of pop audiences thanks to glowing endorsements from stars like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. After Swift professed her love for “Super Bass” in a radio interview, the song took on a life of its own, climbing the music charts, although it was just a bonus track on Minaj’s debut album. Minaj performed the track with Swift at the L.A. Staples Center this past summer, and she also scooped up a Moonman for Best Hip-Hop Video at the MTV Video Music Awards. With a touring spot next to Spears and the success of “Super Bass,” the doors were wide open for Minaj to dominate the spotlight for the remainder of 2011. After making a quick and successful leap from hip-hop notoriety to pop-star fame, it was inevitable that the beauty and fashion world would be next to take notice. Minaj’s off-the-wall style attracted promotional deals from cosmetic companies such as MAC and OPI , as well as a few new well-heeled fans. In November, the Young Money rapper teamed up with Versace to debut the Italian fashion house’s new collection for H&M. At the request of Donatella Versace herself, Nicki shared a performance bill with Prince to unveil the new line in New York City. Less than 24 hours later, she joined Kanye West and Jay-Z as one of the performers at the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show . After making so much noise across hip-hop, pop and fashion this year, it was impossible for awards shows to ignore the Barbie princess. In addition to her wins at the VMAs and the 2011 American Music Awards, Minaj also nabbed a coveted nomination for Best New Artist at the 2012 Grammy Awards. Minaj’s sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, is due February 14, 2012. MTV continues our Best of 2011 coverage by looking back at the biggest pop-culture stories of the year. As we count down the newsmakers that mattered to you most, also check out our Best Artists , Best Songs , Best MTV Live Performances and Best EDM Artists of 2011. Related Photos Nicki Minaj’s Top Moments Related Artists Nicki Minaj
