In a year where many shrank from the spotlight, Rihanna defiantly embraced her rock-star side. By James Montgomery Rihanna on her 777 Tour Photo: Getty Images
MTV News takes a look back at Clarkson’s massive 48 hours, from her engagement to Brandon Blackstock to her ‘VH1 Divas’ performance. By Jocelyn Vena Kelly Clarkson performs at “VH1 Divas” 2012 on Sunday Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
The horrific shooting at the Newtown, Conn., elementary school that left 28 dead, including 20 children, has re-ignited a polarizing debate over gun control. If nothing else, it’s time to get very, very serious about discussing the issue. Public figures immediately jumped in to offer condolences in the wake of the mass murder committed by Adam Lanza , while some called for new restrictions. Plenty of others, while clearly sympathetic to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, defended gun rights and the 2nd Amendment. President Barack Obama, who cried during a press conference regarding the shooting Friday, did not touch upon the controversial issue of gun control by name. He did, though, sound a call to prevent further tragedies, regardless of politics. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he was “shocked and saddened” by the tragic shooting. He said society should “unify” to “crack down on the guns.” N.Y. City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said “immediate action” was needed. Mark Kelly, husband of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was gravely injured by a gunman in Tucson in 2011, wrote on Facebook: “The children of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all victims of gun violence deserve leaders who have the courage to participate in a meaningful discussion about gun laws.” “How can they be reformed and enforced to prevent violence and death in America?” Many believe the CT school shooting tragedy is just the latest, preventable case of a bullied, disgrunted and/or mentally ill person taking lives that could’ve been saved. Directly or indirectly, are guns too readily available to the perpetrators? Fewer guns, tougher laws, fewer tragedies, right? Take away the availability and fewer weapons will fall into the wrong hands at the wrong times. Right? Lots of people would agree with that theory, but not necessarily a majority. The debate has been fast and furious in the past 24 hours, and not one-sided. Trending topics on Twitter included “2nd Amendment,” “NRA” and “Columbine.” For every argument about the 2nd Amendment being antiquated is a counter-argument about its necessity, and its place in the foundation of American liberty. Some gun rights advocates believe this tragedy epitomizes the need for gun rights , not gun control, as a means of protection against those who may act violently. One Twitter user wrote, “The only gun reform we need is to allow people the ability to defend themselves, not provide nut jobs with easy targets #NRA.” Another posted, “Guns don’t kill people people do! Practice the 2nd Amendment – keep your gun loaded with you at all times – the younger you are the better.” Philosophically, gun rights activists feel that gun control takes away another piece of our liberty, starting a slippery slope toward socialism and totalitarianism. From a practical standpoint, they argue that criminals will always find a way to obtain guns, and that only law-abiding citizens would abide by regulations anyway. Furthermore, they feel crimes are just as often prevented by the deterrent of gun possession, and a dangerous black market would develop in the event of tougher laws. In light of recent events, and the arguments above, what do you think? Comment and vote below: Is it time to pass major gun control laws? YES. Fewer guns, fewer tragedies! NO. It’s unconstitutional and won’t stop anything! View Poll »
So much for Miss Independent. Kelly Clarkson made an exciting announcement tonight on Twitter, writing of boyfriend Brandon Blackstock : “I’M ENGAGED!!!!!” I wanted y’all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever.” Blackstock, a Nashville-based talent manager, has been dating the original American Idol for about a year. He’s the son of Clarkson’s manager, Narvel Blackstock, who is married to Reba McEntire. This development may make it difficult for Clarkson to write any more angry woman anthems, but whatever. She’s getting married!!! We send our best to the couple.
No one on the planet should be as famous as me. Doesn’t sound like something Kelly Clarkson would say, does it? Exactly, the American Idol champion Tweeted today. Clarkson has gone off on the U.K. Mirror ‘s Sunday Celebs edition for making her sound obnoxious on its latest cover, writing of the above quote and image, along with implications that she suffered through an eating disorder: “Just to clear up the absolutely wrong so called quotes from me, I have never had anorexia nor did I ever say ‘no one should be as famous as me.'” Kelly went on to explain what actually went down: “I said in the interview, when asked about fame, that I have no desire to be as famous as Britney or Madonna. I said that kind of fame was too much for any person and that I have experienced a portion of what they deal with and that I didn’t handle that well and I’m happy where I’m at in my career.” Sounds reasonable to us. And to fellow Idol winner Jordin Sparks , who Tweeted back at Clarkson: “tell ’em girl!” We concur.
Just a few days before she prepares to take over the charts with her first-ever Greatest Hits album , Kelly Clarkson has come out with a new music video. It’s in honor of the lead track off that CD, “Catch My Breath,” and it mostly just focuses on the original American Idol staring into the camera and singing. Sometimes, though, that’s all you need. Watch now: Kelly Clarkson – “Catch My Breath” (Music Video) Clarkson is everywhere these days. Did you catch her duet with Vince Gill at the 2012 CMAs? It was pretty terrific.
‘I was just curious how both of them would sound together,’ Clarkson says of ‘Just A Fool,’ a track off Xtina’s Lotus. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ryan Downey Kelly Clarkson Photo: MTV News
She’s spent the summer covering the songs of other artists, as detailed and depicted in our Kelly Clarkson music section. But now the original American Idol is releasing a new track of her very own. It will be titled “Catch My Breath,” it will hit iTunes next week and it will be part of Kelly’s first-ever greatest hits album in November. Said the star this morning On Air with Ryan Seacrest: “This song represents who I’ve been, what I’ve felt, and where I’m headed as not only an artist but as a 30-year-old that is now smart enough to know that it’s time to stop, catch my breath, and be proud of not only what has been accomplished but of all the people that have helped me become the woman I am today.” We can’t wait!
Kelly Clarkson was at it once again in Sydney, Australia last night. The THG favorite took yet another fan request during a concert – following her incredible take on Adele – and brought the crowd to its feet with a rendition of Sia’s “Breathe Me.” Where does this cover rank on the Kelly Clarkson music scale over the past couple months? Watch, listen and judge for yourself: Kelly Clarkson – “Breathe Me”
Our love affair with Kelly Clarkson knows no bounds. As the American Idol champion continues to take fan requests across the nation, we’ve been chronicling her journey of covers by posting Clarkson’s takes on Kings of Leon , Florence + the Machine and many others. The latest performance took place last night in Canandaigua, New York and involved Kelly honoring one of her idols, Mariah Carey. Who will always be Clarkson’s baby? Brandon Blackstock , she hopes. Watch the cover now:
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