Flowers placed by fans on Elizabeth Taylor#39;s star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California on March 23. Family and friends gathered Thursday for the funeral of Hollywood legend Taylor, in the same celebrity cemetery as her long-time friend pop icon Michael Jackson. Family members leave the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California after the funeral of screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, on March 24. “The service was scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm, but at Miss Taylor#39;s r
2011 UMF will ‘be like nothing that anyone has ever seen before,’ festival president Russell Faibisch says. By Adam Stewart Photo: MTV News To the estimated 150,000 fans who will be passing through the gates of the most anticipated dance festival in the U.S., the building anticipation for the Ultra Music Festival is sort of like that of a child’s on Christmas Eve. Starting Friday night and running through Sunday, the Ultra Music Festival will be taking Miami by storm. As crews put the finishing touches on a behemoth two-week-long build, a camera-shy Russell Faibisch, president and executive producer of UMF, was gracious enough to give MTV News a tour of the festival grounds. “Ultra Music Festival 2011 is something that’s going to be like nothing that anyone has ever seen before, on any level,” Faibisch said. “The production is unlike any other festival. The caliber of lineup is second to none. Everyone who walks away from here will be trying to figure out what just happened!” The now three-day event will again be held in downtown Miami’s Bicentennial Park, which for this year will be arranged slightly differently than in years past due to a construction project that’s going on in its traditional footprint. “While we lost one corner to construction, we cleared out a lot of space on the other side of the park that wasn’t usable before,” Faibisch said. “When you add it all up, it about evens out, and the layout is actually much more functional for us this year.” Said shuffle has given birth to the insanely impressive Carl Cox and Friends arena, which will be home base for the man of the same name on Friday and Saturday. The arena will then be handed over to Dutch trance legend Armin Van Buuren, who will be broadcasting his “A State of Trance 500” show live via satellite to a worldwide audience estimated at 20 million. “We’re really proud of this thing. We brought it out from California — we’ve never had it out here in Florida before,” Faibisch said of the arena, which boasts two floors and an estimated capacity of over 10,000 all on its own. “We have VIPs on the second level inside, and the production that’s going on there is really going to be out of this world.” Adjacent to the mega-arena, several high-tech “domes” garnish the grounds, including the Tower of Ultra, which will play host exclusively to Dubstep artists on Saturday and Sunday, all to a visual 3-D display that is sure to make Skrillex blush during his live set. But the granddaddy of them all is, of course, the Ultra Main Stage, and with this year’s immense superstructure graced by the presence of Ti
Lusk’s command performance of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s ‘You’re All I Need to Get By’ earns praise on Motown night. By Adam Graham Jacob Lusk performs on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: FOX On Wednesday’s (March 23) Motown-themed episode of “American Idol,” there was Jacob Lusk, and then there was everyone else. The 23-year-old Compton, California, native stole the night with a stirring rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1968 smash “You’re All I Need to Get By,” and lived up to the promise he showed earlier this season when, during Hollywood Week, he wowed judges and audiences with his take on “God Bless the Child.” That earlier performance was immediately praised as one of the best in “Idol” history, and Lusk’s performance Wednesday may earn that designation as well. By no means a subtle singer — as his performances in past weeks have demonstrated — Lusk was able to control the song, never drowning it in over-the-top vocal gymnastics or “fireworks,” as Jimmy Iovine described them in a video package on Wednesday’s show. Instead, he showed total mastery of the tune, experimenting with his vocal phrasing and playing with his facial expressions like Jim Carrey at his most rubber-faced. With an assist on bass from Funk Brother Bob Babbitt, Lusk, looking dapper in a white sportcoat and jeans, was the most comfortable onstage he’s been all season, and like Adam Lambert did during Motown week back in season eight, he pulled apart from the rest of the pack with his performance. Steven Tyler was so moved he walked onstage and embraced Lusk just as he hit his final note. A pan of the audience showed Kirsten Dunst was on her feet and cheering Lusk, as well. The judges, who gave Lusk a standing ovation, were effusive in their praise. Jennifer Lopez complimented the way Lusk held back in the song, saying he made the audience “beg” for the big notes. Referring to Motown’s founder, Randy Jackson said, “the great Berry Gordy is somewhere saying, ‘Oh my God!’ ” He went on to say Lusk commanded the song “like a true professional,” before offering the following critique: “You know what was wrong with that performance, guys? Absolutely nothing!” The judges weren’t the only ones who were moved: Lusk’s grandmother was in the audience, and the singer stepped off the stage to give her a big ol’ hug. After that embrace, Ryan Seacrest made the unprecedented move to invite members of the audience onstage to wrap their arms around Lusk, and more than a dozen fans made their way onto the stage to offer their praise. Prior to performing, Iovine said there was nobody in the competition more suited to sing Motown songs than Lusk. Lusk proved him right, and suddenly he’s back to being in the “Idol” power position. What did you think of Jacob Lusk’s performance? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Idol Party Live” every Thursday on MTV.com, following the “American Idol” results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty ! In the meantime, 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 10 Performances
A woman says that she was raped during a Lil Wayne recording session that occurred during Grammy weekend this year. Fortunately, Weezy is not the one being accused. According to TMZ , producer Noel “Detail” Fisher is accused of holding a female catering assistant against her will overnight and raping her at his house in Canyon Country, CA where Lil Wayne was recording. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ cops are looking into allegations that Detail held her against her will overnight and sexually assaulted her … after which she managed to escape and alert police. We’re told she was questioned in the hospital, where she also submitted to a rape test. So far, no word on the results. Law enforcement sources tell us the investigation is still ongoing and Lil Wayne is not mentioned anywhere in the report. Spotted @ TMZ RELATED: Lil Wayne Reveals “The Carter IV” Release Date RELATED: Lil Wayne Spends Some Time With His Kids [PIC] RELATED: Girls Who Denounced Lil Wayne: “We Were Mad” RELATED: 10-Year-Old Girls Calls Out Lil Wayne In “Open Letter” [VIDEO]
Joining together for a good cause, Selena Gomez and Jonas Brothers trio Nick, Joe and Kevin took the stage for the Concert for Hope in Los Angeles, California on Sunday evening (March 20). With Selena and her The Scene bandmates headlining, the slate of performers at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk was rounded out by Allstar Weekend. The gig saw all proceeds benefiting lifesaving cancer research at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers. Disney Music Group chairman said of the special concert, “It is gratifying to see a young generation of musical artists come together to support a future free from cancer. We are fortunate to have the commitment of these talented young artists to help City of Hope fulfill its mission of conducting innovative research and saving lives.” President of Disney Channels Worldwide, Gary Marsh, added, “Some of the most important advances in cancer treatment originated from the work of dedicated City of Hope researchers, including the development of many of the most widely used cancer drugs. It is an honor to support this remarkable institution and its work to advance medicine and pursue research that saves lives around the world.” Share this:
Band returns to festival with free show played to 20,000-plus fans. By Zachary Swickey The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas performs at SXSW on Thursday Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images AUSTIN, Texas — It’s been 10 years since the Strokes’ legendary South by Southwest showcase at the tiny Iron Cactus. On Thursday night the band returned to the festival bigger than ever, playing a free show at the Auditorium Shores venue with the skyline of Austin as their backdrop. Walking onstage to the stomping sounds of “We Will Rock You,” the Strokes started things off with Room on Fire ‘s opener, “What Ever Happened?” as Julian Casablancas — strangling the microphone with a death grip — wailed, “I want to be forgotten/ And I don’t want to be reminded.” There’s a sense of irony when he says this to 20,000-plus fans, some of whom broke through the fencing to get in. The large venue was a departure from the typical SXSW fare, but if anything, the Strokes’ performance was an example of what these indie bands can become (or at least aspire to). Only Casablancas can pull off the combination of black leather jacket (popped collar included), sunglasses worn at night and what looked to be a calculator wristwatch. There’s an undeniable rock-star swagger about him, evident in his nonchalant attitude when commanding the riotous crowd. “SXSW, let’s do this,” he ordered as the plucking guitar sounds of “You Only Live Once” began. He then mumbled, “New single y’all” with a Southern drawl before bringing out “Under Cover of Darkness,” the first taste of the forthcoming Angles for the night. Come March 22, the five-year wait for the new album will be over, and if the crowd’s positive reaction to the single is any indication, it will be topping the charts. Appropriately, they then played their second single-to-be, “You’re So Right,” a pleasantly different song that features an Egyptian-like guitar hook of all things. The Strokes again brought back the memories. The crowd seemed to know every word to “Someday.” “Juicebox” was an opportunity for Fabrizio Moretti to show that he doesn’t make mistakes when pounding the drums, no matter how hard he’s playing (or how much fun he’s having). It wasn’t strictly greatest hits as the band snuck in “I Can’t Win,” but this didn’t last long with “Reptilia” being the very next song. For the encore, the crowd got the two other classic singles from Is This It. “Ladies and gentlemen, from Los Angeles, California, Nick Valensi!” Casablancas stated midway through “Hard to Explain,” commending his guitarist as he ripped through his solo. The Strokes gave the fans exactly what they wanted by closing the set with the song that started it all, “Last Nite,” during which fireworks erupted in the sky. What better way to end a party? Related Photos 2011 SXSW Music Festival Related Artists The Strokes
The Presstelegram in Long Beach, California is reporting that Nathaniel D. Hale, also known as Nate Dogg in the hip hop industry, died Tuesday. The rap star was 41. The cause of death is not known. It is being reported that he suffered two strokes, one in 2007 and another in 2008. Follow me on twitter to get any updates!
The Presstelegram in Long Beach, California is reporting that Nathaniel D. Hale, also known as Nate Dogg in the hip hop industry, died Tuesday. The rap star was 41. The cause of death is not known. It is being reported that he suffered two strokes, one in 2007 and another in 2008. Follow me on twitter to get any updates!
Singer had suffered several strokes in recent years, but cause of death has not been announced. By Gil Kaufman Nate Dogg Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images One of rap’s most lauded male hook singers, Long Beach, California native Nate Dogg (born Nathaniel Hale) died on Tuesday at the age of 41 after several years of health problems. With his deep, melodic voice and smooth soul rumble, Dogg was one of the key elements in the rise of the West Coast G-Funk sound pioneered by Death Row Records in the early 1990s. Though overshadowed by such peers as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, Nate was a critical participant in a number of major left-coast gangsta hits, including G’s “Regulate” and Dre’s iconic solo debut, 1992’s The Chronic. Hale’s death was first reported by the Long Beach Press Telegram, which noted that his family announced his death on Tuesday. The cause of death was not announced at press time, but Hale had struggled with serious health issues recently, including suffering a massive stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed and another the following year . A spokesperson for the singer could not be reached for comment at press time for further details on his passing. Hale was born in Long Beach on August 19, 1969, and dropped out of high school at 16 to join the Marines, where he served for three years. He formed the rap group 213 — a reference to the local area code — in 1991 with then unknown pals Snoop Dogg and Warren G. The group’s demo eventually made its way to Dre, who liked Nate’s sound and recruited him to participate on The Chronic. Nate was a four-time Grammy nominee, earning his first nod in 1995 for the legendary Warren G collaboration “Regulate,” followed by another in 2001 for providing a hook to the Dre and Snoop tune “The Next Episode.” He earned his third notice in 2002 for singing on Ludacris’ “Area Codes” and another in 2007 for his work on Eminem’s “Shake That.” Though his instantly recognizable, laid-back sound blessed countless songs by other artists over the years, Dogg also released a number of solo albums, including 1998’s double-CD G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 (featuring guest spots from Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Warren G), 2001’s Music & Me and a self-titled 2008 effort. Following news of Nate’s passing, a number of his hip-hop brethren reflected on their fallen comrade. The news appeared to hit both Snoop Dogg and DPG member Daz the hardest. “We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb” tweeted Snoop. “One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit …
‘Party in the U.S.A.’ star was blinded by flashes after meeting with producer Dr. Luke, sources tell MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Miley Cyrus (file) Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage When photos of Miley Cyrus outside of Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont hit the Internet on Tuesday (March 15), gossip blogs claimed the star was stumbling around the L.A.-area hotspot after a night of partying. But sources close to Cyrus tell MTV News the rumors are all wrong. Miley was in a meeting with producer Dr. Luke at the hotel, where they discussed writing music for other artists. Luke and Cyrus worked together on her hit “Party in the U.S.A.” According to sources, the teen superstar was actually blinded by the flashing lights of the paparazzi, not stumbling, as had been reported earlier on Tuesday. Last week, Cyrus made headlines defending her mom against paparazzi gathered outside of the California Chicken Cafe in West Hollywood, California. She confronted one of the photographers, telling him, “You just hit my mom with your camera, don’t you ever do that again. You just almost hurt my mom. Don’t you ever even think about it, for real.” Cyrus has often expressed her displeasure with the celebrity photogs. “I just [want] people to know, I think in pictures I always look upset. It’s because these cameras are following me. I just think it’s really kind of unfair,” she shared in a September video blog. “I know there are some people that maybe like that attention, but I’m not one of them. I really just want to be able to go on walks and enjoy where I live. … The paparazzi really frustrate me, and it makes me really upset that I’m being followed around by men that I don’t know, and for anyone else, it would be considered stalking. I don’t know who those guys are. I don’t know if they’re good guys or bad guys. I don’t necessarily care; I don’t want anyone following me.” In spite of the unwanted media attention, Cyrus is already having a good 2011. She recently showed off her funny side as a host on “Saturday Night Live” and she has two flicks, “LOL” and “So Undercover,” set for release this year. Related Artists Miley Cyrus
