Tag Archives: Career

Brooke White, Justin Gaston Smolder In ‘Idol’ Duet

The duo sang Elvis ballad ‘If I Can Dream’ on Wednesday night’s results show. By Gil Kaufman Brooke White and Justin Gaston perform on Wednesday’s “American Idol” Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images They may not have been bathed in smoky green lasers like Adam Lambert , but former “American Idol” finalist Brooke White and underwear model/ Miley Cyrus ex Justin Gaston had some simmering chemistry on their side on Wednesday night, when they performed a duet on the elimination show that served as the finale for Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens . Gaston, 21, a former contestant on “Nashville Star” and current participant in the Web series “If I Can Dream,” brought his smoldering good looks to the performance of the Elvis Presley ballad also called “If I Can Dream.” The performance began with White, season seven’s fifth-place finisher, seated at a grand piano trading lines with Gaston, who gently strummed an acoustic guitar, his signature shoulder-length hair falling out of his ponytail just so. White soon hopped up and gazed at Gaston as they sang the lines, “If I can dream of a warmer sun/ Where hope keeps shining on everyone,” while the accompanying string section revved up and images of puffy clouds filled the screen behind them. Both wearing slim black suits, the pair spent much of the performance alternating between staring into each other’s eyes and belting out the inspirational tune while facing the studio audience, ending the song with their faces just inches away from each other. In the awkward chit-chat afterwards — during which host Ryan Seacrest reminded Gaston that White is married — the pair revealed that they’d first meet only a week and a half ago and had put the performance together very quickly. The gospel-inspired tune was recorded by Presley in 1968, just two months after the assassination of the civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and it makes use of some of King’s quotes in a plea for peace and understanding. It also served as the rousing finale of Elvis’ famous 1968 comeback special on NBC, “Elvis,” in which the singer performed an “Unplugged”-style show in front of a small studio audience as he attempted to jump start his career after years of cheesy movies and questionable records. It was Elvis’ first live performance in seven years, and the song was added to the special at the last minute by musical director W. Earl Brown, who also penned the number. The song has a history on “Idol”: Season-five runner-up Elliot Yamin sang it during Elvis week, and Celine Dion did it as a virtual duet with Elvis the following season. Though Gaston’s musical career has not yet taken off, it’s possible he’s honing his chops these days by jamming with another former “Idol” contestant, Alex Lambert . The beloved, painfully shy singer, who was unexpectedly booted before reaching the top 12, moved into the “If I Can Dream” house shortly after his ouster and has vowed to keep pursuing his musical dreams. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances Related Artists Brooke White

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Brooke White, Justin Gaston Smolder In ‘Idol’ Duet

Peter Steele dead At 48

Type O Negative#39;s frontman, Peter Steele, died of heart failure on Wednesday, April 14. Peter Steele was an extremely talented man when it came to music. He contributed a lot to the new gothic style of rock music and composed some beautiful tracks in his career. The music he made contained a certain horrific under-tune sometimes. His band is particularly famous in youngsters. Not only was he a great composer, he played the base in a unique way as well. As a base guitarist he was considered a

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Peter Steele dead At 48

Adam Lambert Returns To ‘American Idol’ Stage With ‘Whataya Want From Me’

‘I brought lasers!’ the season-eight runner-up jokes at the end of his dramatic performance. By Larry Carroll Adam Lambert performs on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: Fox There’s an old saying that you can’t go home again. On Wednesday night (April 14), however, Adam Lambert did exactly that — and left a worldwide audience welcoming him back with open arms. “Adam is the King!” read a sign held in the air by an “American Idol” audience member, moments before the season-eight runner-up took the stage in the newest role of his career: music icon. Appearing as a mentor on Tuesday’s episode , Lambert reminded the “AI” folks why he’s a fan favorite. “There’s someone on the stage they’re excited about,” Ryan Seacrest beamed as he introduced Lambert, who then took over the show. Performing his single “Whataya Want From Me,” Lambert was bathed in green light and smoke, like something out of an early ’80s new-wave video. It was an appropriate setting, since the song feels like a hit from the heyday of Depeche Mode and New Order. “Yeah, it’s plain to see/ That baby you’re beautiful and it’s nothing wrong with you,” Lambert sang onstage. “It’s me, I’m a freak/ But thanks for lovin’ me, ’cause you’re doing it perfectly.” Wearing a suit, skinny tie and his signature guy-liner, Lambert gave an emotional performance. When he hit the high note at the end of the song, it nearly seemed like he was on the verge of tears. “Now that’s a performance,” Seacrest marveled as he stepped onstage after the final note. “Wow!” “I brought lasers!” the playful Lambert remarked about his retro stage lighting. “I wanted to do something a little different.” With the crowd still buzzing about his show-stopping performance, Lambert went on to say that “Idol” is the perfect training ground for a musical career. “We worked so hard on this show to give everybody a surprise every week,” he explained. “Thanks to ‘American Idol,’ because it prepared me to make it in the real world. I owe ‘American Idol’ everything.” What did you think of Adam’s performance? How do you think he did as a mentor? Let us know in the comments below! 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 Nine Performances Related Artists Adam Lambert

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Adam Lambert Returns To ‘American Idol’ Stage With ‘Whataya Want From Me’

Conan O’Brien’s Move To TBS Embraced By George Lopez

‘I am completely, 100 percent onboard with this move,’ Lopez says on his TBS show. By Gil Kaufman George Lopez Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images What a difference a few months and a basic cable outlet make. Unlike Conan O’Brien, who decided to walk when NBC asked him to push his show back to make room for the return of Jay Leno to “The Tonight Show,” comedian George Lopez could not be more psyched that his TBS show “Lopez Tonight” will be bumped an hour to accommodate O’Brien’s new talker in the fall. “If you haven’t heard by now, Conan O’Brien will be joining us on late night on TBS. Welcome! Welcome!,” Lopez gushed at the beginning of Monday night’s show. “I want to say that I am completely, 100 percent onboard with this move.

Armin Van Buuren Has ‘Too Many Tracks’ For Next Album

‘I just hate the fact that you can only put about 78 minutes on a CD,’ he says. By Akshay Bhansali Armin Van Buuren Photo: MTV News Few artists have been able to achieve the level of consistency that Dutch trance icon Armin van Buuren has been able to maintain in his career. Tens of thousands of fans frequently gather to see him spin, and when it comes to tastemakers the proof is in his accolades. For the past three years he has held the top spot on DJ Mag ‘s Top 100 DJ list, one of the top honors in the electronic-music industry. And at the recent Ultra Music Festival in Miami, MTV News witnessed him holding court, spinning records from his recently released A State of Trance 2010 compilation album for close to 100,000 of his fans. For one of the highest-grossing earners in the electronic-music game, it’s endearing to hear that for the DJ/ producer/ record-label owner, his weekly radio show, which he began just under a decade ago and now boasts millions of listeners in 40 countries, remains his most important endeavor. “One of the reasons I’m sitting here is because of my radio show, ‘A State Of Trance,’ ” he said. “I started it in June 2001, I remember at the time a lot of my colleagues said, ‘You’re crazy to do a two-hour radio show every week.’ But I think that’s the reason I became successful. Thanks to the Internet and thanks to the illegal downloads, my name became known all over the world.” Van Buuren recently broadcasted episode 450 of “ASOT,” and over the years the show has become the perfect litmus test for his self-produced studio material. He’s also completed four commercially successful albums, and songs like “Who Is Watching” (featuring Nadia Ali), “Going Wrong” (with DJ Shah Featuring Chris Jones) and mega hit “In and Out of Love” (featuring Sharon den Adel) have cemented his place as a formidable production force to be reckoned with. So it will certainly tickle fans to know that we found out Van Buuren is hard at work on his fifth studio album, so much so that he has enough material to fill two discs. “I have about 21 songs that are serious candidates for ending up on the final product,” he offered. “I have too many tracks. I just hate the fact that you can only put about 78 minutes on a CD, and I don’t want to really go with, like, a double album. “A lot of the tracks I’m really happy about, but they’re not finished yet,” he continued. “The opening track is something really ambitious. I recorded live strings, live drums, live guitars, everything for that track. It’s a ridiculous intro.” Van Buuren remained tight-lipped about who helped out in the studio, except to tell us that for some of the work he kept things in the family. “I can tell you that my brother will be involved again,” he said. “He’s a guitar player and I’ve used him on a lot of the tracks and he helped me with writing a lot of the melodies.” The as-yet-untitled album does not have a release date. Van Buren was scheduled to perform in Poland on Saturday at the A State of Trance 450 show, but due to a plane crash that killed 95 people, including Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, the event was canceled “out of respect for the casualties.” The event will be rescheduled at a later date. “The A State of Trance Crew, Alda Events, MSM Events and all the artists involved would like to express their deepest sympathies to all who have lost their loved ones and the people of Poland,” a statement reads. “We wish you the best and strength with the horrible loss.” For a complete list of all of our exciting content from Dance Music Week we have a complete list here , thanks to the good folks at Ultra Records. Related Videos It’s Dance Music Week!

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Armin Van Buuren Has ‘Too Many Tracks’ For Next Album

Charlie Sheen Releases Statement, Teases Two and a Half Men Departure

With domestic abuse charges hanging over his head and his career, Charlie Sheen films the final episode of Two and a Half Men ‘s seventh season tonight. Might it be the final episode Sheen ever shoots for the sitcom? Yes, if you believe the actor’s recently-released statement. With his contract about to expire, Sheen wrote to People today and said: “Much speculation and rumor has arisen from my current status surrounding Two and a Half Men .” Will you miss Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men? “All of the numbers reported in the press are false. Claims from ‘inside sources’ regarding offers from the studio as well as my salary, on their best day, are without merit. Approaching the start of the current season and as far back as June ‘09, I submitted my terms for season eight to Warner Bros. and CBS respectfully. “Both parties have known the score for over a year. In no way, has this been a hasty or negligent eleventh hour surprise. I offer this information out of love and respect to my crew, my on-set family, my writers, executive staff, as well as my real family, my dear friends and my loyal fans. We tape the final episode of the season this evening. “If tonight’s show is the end for me as Charlie Harper, so be it. Another journey has begun. I take from the experience 161 shows filled with a kaleidoscope of amazing experiences, memories, friendships and gratitude. “I remain humbly inspired. ” If Sheen does leave the sitcom, he’ll have more time to engage in threesomes .

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Charlie Sheen Releases Statement, Teases Two and a Half Men Departure

Punk icon Malcom McLaren dies at 64

The man who bought the world the Sex Pistols has died in New York at the age of 64. Malcom McLaren, the band's former manager, is thought to have been diagnosed with cancer some time ago. As well as launching the career of the anarchic punk band, McLaren also had a huge influence in the world of fashion when he teamed up with ex-partner Vivienne Westwood to launch a clothes shop and label on London's King's Road in the 70s. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8610423.stm added by: richjm

‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds: Michael Lynche Shake-Up And Other Shockers

The girls were back on top, and the boys are safe another week after Lennon/McCartney failures. By James Montgomery Michael Lynche Photo: FOX “American Idol” in 60 Seconds has fast become an MTV News institution, but it goes by so fast that it’s not always easy to catch every golden nugget. So, here we present to you Jim Cantiello’s bite-size recap of this week’s “Idol” high jinks. The Lennon/McCartney songbook took the “American Idol” season nine snow globe and shook it vigorously. Thanks to surprisingly strong offerings from Katie “Connecticut” Stevens and Casey “Goldilocks” James, what was down was now up and what was left was now right. (Not everything changed, mind you: Andrew Garcia was still a frustrating disappointment, sort of like Lennon’s and McCartney’s post-Beatles solo careers. Way to honor the theme, Garcia!) The two front-runners — Crystal “MamaSox” Bowersox and Lee “I Secretly Hope People Write Fan Fiction About Me and Andrew Garcia” Dewyze — had an interesting strategy this week: Share

Gisele Bundchen for Colcci: Not Unhot!

Don’t hate Gisele Bundchen because she’s beautiful. Or because she’s rich. Or because she’s married to the one of the most successful athletes in sports history. Okay, maybe hate Gisele Bundchen just a little bit. But also admire this gorgeous model for her beauty and her career. Just six weeks after giving birth , she’s the new face and body of Brazilian clothing company Colcci. How did she lose the weight so quickly? Unlike Kourtney Kardashian and Kendra Wilkinson, she isn’t telling the supermarker tabloids . She’s just showing herself off in the photos below..

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Gisele Bundchen for Colcci: Not Unhot!

Jennifer Lopez: I’m Still Jenny from the Block!

Working hard to revive her career, Jennifer Lopez says she’ll always be Jenny from the Block, as her annoying, self-serving song told everyone many years ago. “I guess in a way parts of me are going to be different, but in general I’m still the same girl from the Bronx who had big dreams,” Lopez says in the latest issue of Redbook . Over the last couple months, J. Lo has guest-hosted Lopez Tonight and taken the Saturday Night Live stage. She’ll soon star in The Back-Up Plan and will also appear on Glee this spring. Will it be enough to make her an A-lister again? Lopez claims she doesn’t care: “I always wanted to be great at what I did – that’s what drove me… I never thought about money or fame, and I never really thought that would happen to me. All that was just a by-product.” The issue above goes on sale April 20. In the interview, Lopez also touches on motherhood, saying: “I can’t help but be a different person now that I’ve had kids. That really does change your whole perspective on life for the better. I definitely feel like I’ve grown up.” Do you wish to see J. Lo back on top of the music and acting world? She’s the only artist to ever have a simultaneous number-one album and number-one movie at the box office. Those days feel like a generation ago, don’t they?

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Jennifer Lopez: I’m Still Jenny from the Block!