Reality Show Stars Fail Jobs For most reality stars, when their show goes off the air, it’s a wrap for their careers. They go back to obscurity and we thankfully don’t hear from them ever again. Sometimes, though, they try really hard to get their careers going into something bigger. And nine times out of 10 it’s a big bag of fail powder. These celebrities tried to make things work after their shows. Let’s see how they did.
Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake have more in common than a first name, but how do their solo careers stack up? By Gil Kaufman Justin Bieber vs. Justin Timberlake Photo: It’s hard to remember now, but there was a time a decade ago when Justin Timberlake elicited the same kind of screaming mobs of young girls that Justin Bieber does now. But these two pop icons have way more in common than just the same first name and the undying devotion of the ladies. Both have conquered the pop music universe in a massive way, sold millions of albums and helped fundamentally change what is considered appropriate material for young male singers. “I think .. the comparison is a huge honor,” Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, told MTV News about the numerous reviews comparing Bieber’s evolution and sound to Timberlake’s. “That is an iconic artist and someone who, when I was growing up, really set the tone for stars the same way Justin Bieber is for his generation … A compliment of that nature is something that we embrace, but at the same time I think it’s the easy comparison. I like to say things no one else will say: They’re both white and both their names are Justin. That’s the thing that everyone thinks but they won’t say out loud. And I think the two of them feel that way.” To celebrate the release this week of Bieber’s second full-length album, Believe, we thought we’d take a look at how the Justins’ careers stack up against each other. Sales : Though he’s only released two solo albums in his 10-year career outside of ‘NSYNC, Timberlake has hit it big both times, moving more than 10 million units of 2002’s Grammy-winning Justified and an equal number for 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds . Bieber busted out of the box in 2009 with the EP My World , which sold 3.2 million copies in the U.S. He followed with another EP, My World 2.0, which sold another 3.1 million copies in the U.S. His Christmas disc, Under the Mistletoe moved around 1.5 million and total world sales have put him in the 15 million range. But, given that Timberlake is semi-retired from music and Believe is expected to be one of the year’s best sellers, it won’t be long before the student should overtake the master. Advantage : Timberlake (for now) Social Media : Timberlake may have Bieber on sales at the moment, but nobody has leveraged social media more than the kid who got discovered on YouTube. Bieber’s social media numbers are gawdy: 23.6 million Twitter followers, 44.5 million Facebook likes, more than 2.9 billion YouTube views, including nearly 750 million for the video for his breakthrough single, “Baby” and another 321 million for “Never Say Never.” By contrast, Timberlake has staked out a smaller social media presence, amassing 12 million followers on Twitter, 16.1 million likes on Facebook and nearly 240 million YouTube views of his videos. Advantage : Bieber Big-Screen Success : Bieber’s concert movie, “Never Say Never,” has taken its place as the highest-grossing concert movie of all-time with more than $73 million to date. While Bieber is expanding his movie palette with an upcoming debut dramatic role in a Mark Wahlberg basketball movie, Timberlake has already blazed a formidable trail in acting, which has become his primary focus. Counting animated films featuring his voice and such hits as “The Social Network” ($96 million), “Bad Teacher” ($100 million) and “Yogi Bear” ($100 million), Timberlake’s films have grossed nearly $450 million to date. Advantage : Timberlake Expanding the Brand : While neither Justin has gone all-in on merchandising their name like some other pop stars (50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez), both have extended their brands in interesting ways. Bieber has released two perfumes (Girlfriend and Someday), a line of nail polish, a doll and a book. Timberland has a successful clothing line (William Rast), scents for men and women (Play for Him and Play for Her) a record label (Tennman Records), a golf course in his hometown of Memphis (Mirimichi), restaurant (Southern Hospitality) and a line of tequila (901). Advantage : Timberlake Precociousness : Sure, Timberlake got there first thanks to his time on the Mickey Mouse Club and in ‘NSYNC, but he was an ancient 21 years old when he released his solo debut. Bieber is just 18 and is already on his fourth release, with a movie, books, several sold-out world tours under his belt and, like, Timberlake (Britney Spears), a very public romance with a fellow pop star (Selena Gomez). The comparisons will keep coming, but at the torrid pace he’s moving, Bieber is well on his way to eclipsing Timberlake by the time he’s old enough to drink. Your move, T. Advantage : Bieber How do you think the careers of Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber compare? Leave your comments below! Related Videos ‘Bieber Live’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Justin Bieber The Evolution Of: Justin Timberlake Acting, Log-Rolling, Quilting: Justin Timberlake Can Do It All Justin Bieber Takes Over The Bodies Of Other Teen Idols Related Artists Justin Bieber Justin Timberlake
Lacey Schwimmer of Dancing With the Stars made a shocking discovery Thursday when she walked into her Sin City dressing room … a naked dude. The stranger was in her bathroom, getting ready to shower. The frightening incident, which occurred as Lacey and the DWTS crew are performing live in Las Vegas, understandably shook up the pro dancer. “Lacey walked into her dressing room and her door was kicked in,” a source said. “She found a man buck naked and ready to get into her shower.” “It was terrifying, he was a complete stranger! Lacey rushed out and has since reported the incident to police. She is talking to the cops right now.” “It would seem there needs to be more backstage security!” No word if the naked dude was also high on bath salts . Two weeks ago, cast member Tia Carrere encountered a thief in her dressing room after a performance of Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas . Might need to step up the security detail, DWTS . [Photo: WENN.com]
We already know she can scream. Lucy Hale has certainly proved that throughout two-plus seasons of Pretty Little Liars . But did you know the actress once competed on American Idol spinoff American Juniors and can seriously sing, too? Fans will soon hear for themselves because Hale has signed a contract with Hollywood Records. She’s expected to release an album in the fall of 2013. “I’m overjoyed and honored to become a member of the Hollywood Records family,” Hale said in a statement. “I’ve admired the careers they’ve made and can’t wait to see how my musical path is paved out.” The adorable actress, who is dating actor Chris Zylka, also thanked “everyone involved for giving me the chance to show a whole different side of myself, which is a huge passion for music.” [Photo: WENN.com]
While celebrities today want you to know everything about them, these stars rejected the publicity and decided to be reclusive during the prime of their careers.
Stop. Collaborate and listen. Ice is back with a brand new invention. No, really! He is. Rob Van Winkle, who you know as ‘90s rap sensation Vanilla Ice, has a major role in this summer’s new Adam Sandler comedy That’s My Boy , in which he plays himself, Vanilla Ice. The set-up: Donny Berger (Sandler) became famous in the ‘80s for having an affair with his hot teacher. Donny knew Ice from the flash in the pan/has-been circuit, and goes back to hang out with Ice when he reunites with the grown son ( Andy Samberg ) he fathered. Winkle joined the stars of That’s My Boy at a press conference over the weekend, and he stole the panel right from Sandler and Samberg. He’s still dropping mad rhymes, and they’re full of wisdom from his 20 years of growing up and self-reflection on the Vanilla Ice days. We could all take a lesson from Vanilla Ice, so start with some of these. 1. No slippin’ on your pimpin’. “You keep your hustle tight and you never get caught slippin’ on your pimpin’,” Winkle said when the panel was asked how they deal with failures in their careers. Our takeaway is that he has not been slippin’ on his pimpin’, since Winkle keeps working, even on reality shows like Surreal Life and Celebrity Bull Riding . “If you get caught slippin’ on your pimpin’ you’re up sh*t creek without a paddle.” 2. Well, just in case you need that paddle… If you end up paddle-less in a creek, all is not lost. “Learn how to swim through the trenches and get to the other side and when you get there it’ll be paradise for you. I was in the trenches, trying to get to the other side. Sh*t creek, I found a paddle. [Sandler] helped me with the other paddle and here we are.” 3. Embrace the past. “We are who we are because of who we were, which I had to accept, and there’s a little truth to that,” Winkle said when we asked if he’s always thinking in deep wisdom and mad rhymes. 4. Look to the future. “Yesterday’s history, tomorrow is a mystery,” Winkle said when asked if this movie comeback could lead to a Cool As Ice 2. Not only would a Cool as Ice sequel be awesome, it’s also good advice in general. “Take it day by day, man. Get in where you fit in and enjoy the ride. You never know about it.” 5. These mad rhymes matter. These slogans kept the press laughing, but Winkle explained he truly uses them to get through life. “That’s one thing I’ve learned, I live off these little phrases. It’s not all jokes, but these little phrases, they’re more valuable than thousands of dollars worth of therapy to me. They make sense.” 6. Love yourself. “Be yourself, enjoy yourself,” was another one of Winkle’s life lessons. More specifically, find the place that’s right for you, whether it’s rapping or starring in an Adam Sandler movie. “I just get in where I fit in.” 7. Be happy. In a genre of music that can often spiral into anger and violence, positivity is important. “Show me a smile and I’ll show you one back. They’re contagious. So, it works for me. Stay positive, good things happen. Look where I’m at.” 8. Mind the company you keep. It also matters who you let in your life. The Sandler crew was good for Winkle, but be careful of your entourage. “Show me who your friends are and I’ll show you who you are. Karma, believe in it. It’s real. It comes back to you.” 9. Listen to your mother (and word to her!) Since the film is about an embarrassing parent, the panel was asked what they learned from their parents. Winkle shared his mother’s lesson. Maybe mad wisdom runs in the family. “My mom always told me, ‘Act smarter than you are. Always know where your exit is in case you get into too much trouble.’” To borrow from the immortal popular words of Mr. Van Winkle: If there was a problem, yo, he’ll solve it. That’s My Boy opens June 15.
‘[Today] is the last episode of the season and I think we are just really relieved,’ finalist Jessica Sanchez says about Wednesday’s finale. By Kelly Marino Jessica Sanchez performs on the “American Idol” finale on May 22 Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images The end is finally upon us. On Wednesday night (May 23), someone will be showered in confetti and ultimately crowned the 11th “American Idol” after going head-to-head in last night’s final performances. Will Jessica Sanchez take home the title, finally becoming the first female contestant since Jordan Sparks in 2007 to win? Or will it be Phillip Phillips , whose stage presence is so similar to the last few years’ winners, apparently all he needs to do is make the ladies melt with that guitar and he’ll be a shoo-in for first place. Regardless, not a lot of people can say they stuck it out this long. “Of course we all want to win, but it gets to a point where nobody really makes it this far,” Sanchez, a.k.a. the tiny girl with the huge voice, said backstage Tuesday night. “I love that I’m with [Phillip] in the top two. It’s amazing. He’s goofy and he’s funny and he is an amazing artist and an amazing person overall.” And those feelings were mutual — in so many words or less. When asked what his favorite performance of the night was, the humble yet painfully bashful Phillips replied with that infamous smile, “Probably all three of Jessica’s.” According to the judges though, it was Phillip Phillip’s song choice of “Home” in the final round that stole the show, giving him the one and only standing ovation of the night — a moment that might not have happened had he not calmed his nerves earlier on. “I was scared to death,” the husky-voiced Georgia native explained after realizing he would be performing in front of more than 7,000 audience members inside the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. “But you know, I went out there and finally loosened up throughout ‘Stand by Me,’ and I just had fun the rest of the night. It was so, so fun.” And after three months of crazy schedules, lack of sleep, countless critiques, powerful (and some not so powerful) performances, it’s about time to have some fun and loosen up. With Tuesday night’s two-hour finale their last show of the season, both “Idol” hopefuls, who will take the stage singing duets with some of their favorite artists, agree it is a stress-free road from here on out. “We just feel like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders,” 16-year-old Sanchez admitted. “[Today] is the last episode of the season and I think we are just really relieved. We are going to miss each other so much. We are going to be on tour together, but I mean, this competition has taught us so much and it’s been really tiring too.” “We got to the point that whatever happens, happens,” Phillips, the only contestant never up for elimination, added. “We are two completely different artists and we wish each other the best with both of our careers.” 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
Onetime Lady Gaga collaborator talks to MTV News about how she went from behind the scenes to center stage. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf Laurieann Gibson Photo: Getty Images Laurieann Gibson has worked with artists like onetime muse Lady Gaga and current inspiration Nicki Minaj , helping the pop princesses craft stage spectacles and killer dance routines. But, having spent the last chapter of her career shaping the careers of other artists, the former Fly Girl feels now is the time for her to move from behind the shadows and kick-start her own music career. “When I began to choreograph and find my way pulling other artists’ dreams out and changing music in a visual way, there was still a part of me that had something more to say,” she told MTV News about working on her solo album. “There was still a desire to rock a stage and ultimately perform the eight count of my dream, but there was a lot of insecurity there.” It wasn’t until last year, however, that she found the strength to hit the studio for this album. And she channeled all of those feelings into her music, including her lead single, the dance-floor anthem “Last Chance.” “I put that into the album, into the lyrical content and I’m really proud of what is coming out of the studio,” she said. Gibson said she started working on the album after wrapping up her E! show “Born to Dance” and directing Gaga’s video for “Yo
After taking on ‘American Idol’ over the winter, ‘The Voice’ will now take on ‘X Factor.’ By Gil Kaufman “The Voice” coaches Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton Photo: NBC Fans of NBC reality singing competition “The Voice” will get a double-dose of spinning chairs and clashing mentors this year, as the show is being moved to the fall for its upcoming third season. The just-wrapped singing competition whose panel is anchored by country star Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and jousting judges Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine, will move to the fall, where it will vie for eyeballs with another singing reality show, Simon Cowell’s “X Factor.” According to Billboard magazine , “The Voice” will benefit from Sunday night NFL promotions in its new slot, where it will run on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. The “X Factor” will air on Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. and Thursday 8-9 p.m. Neither show has announced a firm return date. Unnamed sources close to “The Voice” told the magazine that there are a number of revisions in store for the program that could make it look much different from the first two seasons. Among them could be more air time for the top finalists instead of a renewed focus in season two on the blind audition rounds. As “The Voice” has grown into a consistent ratings generator for NBC, executives believe it will become a go-to place for labels looking to push their big fall and holiday releases in the fourth quarter during the show’s live November and December shows. It’s unknown how the double-dip this year will impact the careers of its stars, as Aguilera is working on new music, Levine and his band, Maroon 5, are preparing to release the new disc Overexposed on June 26 and Green has said he’s working on his next solo album and prepping a return from his hip-hop crew, Goodie Mob. The only hiccup from the “Voice” move is that Cowell may steal their thunder on Monday (May 14) when he is expected to announce that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will join the judging panel of “Factor” for season two. Related Artists Maroon 5 Cee Lo Green Christina Aguilera
I don’t know who either of these bitches are. I don’t know whose tits are being shown in i-D….I just know that it is a fashion mag, with lots of advertisers who pay lots of money to be in in, but who produce topless sleazy shoots and get away with it…cuz the models want the exposure to propel their careers….cuz titties for fashion are still titties to me and every one jerking off to them…but become a grey area of acceptable…so anything that advances the progress of tits works for me….boom.
