Donna Summer’s funeral in Tennessee has brought together musical legends from across the world, including famed record producer David Foster. In addition to Summer, he worked with Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees and many other big name acts from the 1970s to the present day. Giorgio Moroder is also present at the funeral, having produced several disco hits with Summer, including “Love to Love You Baby” and “I Feel Love.” Donna Summer died last week at the age of 63. The late singer’s entire family is also at the ceremony, a private event taking place in Nashville (private, though up to 1,000 people are attending). The Queen of Disco will be greatly missed. [Photo: WENN.com]
You don’t see this every day: Anderson Cooper rather abruptly pulled the plug on his own interview with Sarah Burge, a.k.a. Human Barbie, almost as soon as it began. Calling her “dreadful” and nearly at a loss for words, AC couldn’t hide his disdain for Burge, the Guinness World Record holder for most plastic surgeries. We know … we thought Heidi Montag held that too. Watch the amazing clip below, in which Barbie Mom gets absolutely eviscerated by the Silver Fox and is effectively kicked off Anderson in mid-interview … Anderson Cooper CRUSHES ‘Human Barbie’ Mom Things started to unravel when Cooper was grilling Sarah Burge over allowing her teen daughter to get Botox so she’d sweat less during beauty pageants. As she tried to explain, he said, “I gotta be honest … just stop. I’m sorry. I try to be really polite to all my guests, but I just think you’re dreadful.” He added, “I honestly don’t want to talk to you anymore.” Anderson later released a video statement saying he regrets the way things ended and his decision to have her on the show in the first place. Take a look at that video clip after the jump … Anderson Cooper Regrets About Human Barbie
Guinness spokesperson explains why they refused to recognize a White Stripes show as ‘the shortest concert of all time.’ By James Montgomery Jack White Photo: WireImage Over the years, Jack White has taken umbrage with overzealous radio programmers , the Internet and, uh, Jason Stollsteimer (to name just a few) but in the new issue of Interview magazine, he lashes out at a new foe: The folks at Guinness World Records. Yes, in what could only be described as the latest step in his ongoing transformation into the music world’s foremost eccentric — sorry, Kanye — White has lashed out at the venerable record-keeping institution, calling them “a very elitist organization” after they refused to acknowledge the White Stripes’ one-note performance in Newfoundland (seen in their 2010 doc “Under Great White Northern Lights” ) as “the shortest music concert ever.” “I was thinking that afterwards we could contact the Guinness World Records people and see if we could get the record for the shortest concert of all time. So we did it, but ultimately, they turned us down,” White tells astronaut Buzz Aldrin (for real) in the Interview piece. “[They’re] a very elitist organization. There’s nothing scientific about what they do. They just have an office full of people who decide what is a record and what isn’t … so something like the shortest concert of all time, they didn’t think [it] was interesting enough to make it a record. I don’t know why they get to decide that, but, you know, they own the book.” Well, yes, they do own the book … and, as it turns out, the Stripes’ Newfoundland concert was featured in the 2009 edition of it, as a spokesperson for Guinness World Records pointed out to MTV News on Thursday (May 17). Of course, they’d subsequently remove the notation in later editions, though it had little to do with elitism and more to do with the simple fact that Guinness had no way of qualifying what actually counted as a performance. “We received a large volume of applications from bands and performers seeking to beat this record. We got an influx of individuals claiming that simply appearing on stage was enough to qualify them for this record,” the spokesperson wrote in an email to MTV News. “It became increasingly difficult for us to measure this objectively (for example, how many members of the crowd need to be able to see the performer before they disappear off stage?) “The nature of competing to make something the ‘shortest’ by its very nature trivializes the activity being carried out, and Guinness World Records has been forced to reject many claims of this kind,” the spokesperson continued. “As such, we have closed record categories for similar designations such as the shortest song, shortest poem, and also the record of shortest concert currently in question.” Of course, the spokesperson was quick to add that Guinness World Records “admires the band and we encourage them to attempt any of the 40,000 active records currently housed in our database.” And knowing White, we’re pretty sure he’ll take them up on that offer. Soon. Related Artists White Stripes Jack White
‘Once again, the unstoppable Echelon,’ frontman Jared Leto marvels of band’s dedicated fanbase. By James Montgomery Jared Leto performs “Hurricane” on “Unplugged: Photo: MTV On Tuesday afternoon (December 13), 30 Seconds to Mars took home the inaugural Best Live MTV Performance award for their stirring, scintillating “Unplugged” version of “Hurricane.” Thanks to the votes of their fans, 30STM withstood a late charge from Paramore’s “Brick by Boring Brick” to win the honor. Now, with their trophy firmly in hand, they’re reacting to their triumph — and, as always, sharing their glory with their fervent Echelon fanbase. “This is so incredible. We had an amazing time doing [‘Unplugged’], and thank you to everybody who voted,” frontman Jared Leto said. “Once again, the unstoppable Echelon. We love you guys. “If it wasn’t for the Echelon, we wouldn’t have ever won a single award,” he continued. “I think that’s the blessing of living in this digital age, is that people have a voice, and the Echelon Nation out there has made their voice heard again and again, and we’re so proud that they’re able to gather together, to organize themselves, to fight for a common cause and to make dreams a reality. It’s pretty special.” In a week when there was no shortage of highlights for the band — they were awarded their hard-earned gold record plaques for the This Is War album and entered the “Guinness Book of World Records” with a sold-out, celebratory show in New York — Leto counts their Best Live Performance win as one of the biggest moments. It was almost enough to bring a tear to his steely-blue eyes. “We’re very surprised. … It’s been an insane week already. We got a gold record, we did a Guinness World Record-breaking show,” he laughed. “There’s gonna be a few tears rolling down these hardened, leathery, road-dog cheeks.” All this week, watch “AMTV” on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos Best Live MTV Performances Of 2011 2011 Best MTV Performance Nominees Related Artists 30 Seconds To Mars
Band reveals track list and announces Florida tour in support of sophomore album. By James Montgomery Sleigh Bells Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images Having already sufficiently fired up fans with a (thoroughly badass) teaser clip for their upcoming Reign of Terror album, Sleigh Bells are now revealing details about the disc — albeit in a slightly less radical way. According to a press release issued by the band’s publicist, Terror will hit stores February 14 (it’s sure to be a bloody valentine) and features 11 tracks, with appropriately Sleigh Bells-y titles like “True Shred Guitar,” “Demons” and “Road to Hell ” It was produced by guitarist Derek E. Miller, and, as the press release puts it, features “songs that are as crushing and authoritative as their title suggests; they’re effortlessly robust and heavier than any of the band’s previous output … the sonic equivalent of a beautiful shotgun to the head.” Now that’s descriptive! The Bells will also embark on a tour leading up to the release of Terror, making stops all across Miller’s home state of Florida (and nowhere else). The trek kicks off February 2 at the Florida Theatre in Gainesville, and they’ll be taking fellow Floridian Diplo along for the ride, along with Brooklyn’s Liturgy. Reign of Terror is the follow-up to Sleigh Bells’ breakout 2010 album Treats, which they rode to a thunderous performance at the 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards and a collaboration with none other than Beyonc
Band entered the Guinness Book of World Records on Wednesday night at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom. By James Montgomery Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars Photo: MTV News NEW YORK — For a band that, over the past three years, has been no stranger to adversity — everything from battles with their label to scraps with censors and the occasional stage collapse — 30 Seconds to Mars had probably never had to deal with the kind of trouble that occurred during the encore of their record-setting show Wednesday night in New York. During the crashing crescendo of “Kings and Queens,” a female fan was crushed against a barricade and required immediate medical assistance. “Queens” was the final song of the band’s set, which was preceded by a lengthy presentation from the folks at Guinness World Records, who honored 30STM for Most Shows Played During An Album Cycle (309 was Guinness’ count). Jared Leto invited fans to join them onstage for the finale. Spirits were high inside the Hammerstein Ballroom, and as “Queens” unfolded, they only got higher … until Leto stopped the song and asked for medics to tend to the injured fan. After 20 solemn minutes, EMTs carried her away on a stretcher. “As soon as she got oxygen, she sat up and is doing OK,” 30STM’s management told MTV News after the show. After getting the all-clear, 30 Seconds to Mars undauntedly finished the song and the night ended with the crowd triumphantly chanting its “woah-oh-oh” hook while streamers fell from the ceiling. And not to downplay the severity of the situation, but it helped illustrate everything that made 30 Seconds to Mars’ record-setting run with This Is War so unique. Their ability to overcome obstacles, their willingness to push on, and the otherworldly bond they share with their fans — displayed best when drummer Shannon Leto left the stage to assist the EMTs. The band had already played more than 300 shows, and yet, they still pushed hard on Wednesday, imbuing songs like “Search and Destroy” and “Night of the Hunter” with walloping guitars, anthemic sing-along choruses and washes of spooky synths. Jared sprinted up and down the catwalk stage (not easy to do in a huge black cloak), shined a massive spotlight into the crowd to illuminate fans’ faces, and even performed a few acoustic numbers mid-set. Shannon pounded his kit as sweat flew, and guitarist Tomo Milicevic crunched chords and charmed ethereal soundscapes out of his ax. It could have been show number one, not the final gig of a two-year trek. Of course, 30STM’s fans matched, if not doubled, the band’s enthusiasm. There were signs in the audience touting the Detroit chapter of the Echelon, and at one point, Leto brought a fan onstage who had traveled all the way from Maryland. Every chorus was sung back to the band loudly, each massive chant repeated at top volume, and the opening chords of each new song greeted with squeals of delight. Fans reached skyward as confetti fell, and ooh-ed and aah-ed as lasers shot from the stage. This was definitely a celebration, in just about every conceivable way. Not surprisingly, the band seemed genuinely touched and a tad nostalgic. Jared told fans that the Guinness award was theirs, too, shouting, “I want everyone in here to carry this with them for the rest of their lives,” as he thrust the certificate above his head. As if their record-setting tour didn’t already tip you off to it, the rather frightening delay proved that 30STM are a band seemingly at their best when forced to push on. And on. And on. Did you attend any stops on 30STM’s record-setting tour? Share your reviews in the comments below! Related Videos 30 Seconds To Mars: State Of The Union Related Artists 30 Seconds To Mars
If Guinness World Records recognized fictional successive rites of passage, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1 would be the clear victor. As weddings go, yes, there most definitely is one — possibly two, if you believe Robert Pattinson . Kristen Stewart ‘s Bella finally gets her way during the honeymoon . Then there’s the emotion-soaked pregnancy that puts Bella in peril once more, and all the dominoes that are set off for the pair and for Taylor Lautner ‘s Jacob as a result. Pattinson, Stewart and Lautner talked up the first installment of the Twilight finale Thursday ahead of its debut Nov. 18, with a surprise news conference appearance by series author Stephenie Meyer, who shared some tidbits from her stint as producer.
Anything to get away from that crazy a$$ wife , huh? Nick Cannon held a fundraiser at Citi Field recently called the “Hug It Out” effort where he attempted to set the world record for hugs given out in an hour. While this may seem like another attempt at shameless attention whoring, it actually collected almost 1,700 toys for the New York Hospital of Queens. Sadly, though, Cannon fell short of Nick Vujicic’s 2010 record of 1,749 hugs by 52. Maybe next time. Until then, here are the most awkward, hilarious pictures you’ll ever see.
I call these pics “Owned by a billion dollar bikini corporation so I always have great cleavage”…… The real interesting thing about these pics is that you can see her ass from the front, one of my many fetishes….maybe it’s a side effect of having a kid 6 months earlier and bouncing back in some Guinness World Record way…I mean shit, I’m pretty much a housewife based on the amount of work I do and the amount of sitting on my ass all day, and none of the girls from the breast feeding group I’m an unofficial part of, but know every where the girls meet each week, not one of the baby momma’s has got an ass like this….giving these pics an alternative title called “None of the bitches at my breast feeding group with new borns have a body like this, maybe cuz they don’t get paid millions to have bodies like this, but more likely cuz they are lazy and in it together cuz pregnancy reminded them of a childhood passion for cake they left behind in trying to find a husband through their teens and twenties”….you can choose which you like better…I’ll be busy staring at the pics…
At a preliminary hearing, judge also rules that the alleged necklace theft was in violation of Lohan’s probation. By MTV News staff Lindsay Lohan arrives for court in Los Angeles, on April 22, 2011 Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images Lindsay Lohan received some slightly good news today: Her original felony charge stemming from the alleged theft of a $2,500 necklace back in January was reduced to a misdemeanor. The problem-plagued actress will still have to stand trial, as Judge Stephanie Sautner ruled that the theft was in violation of Lohan’s probation . According to TMZ , the reduced charge indicates that Lohan will not face jail time; the punishment will be determined after the verdict in the trial. The Associated Press reports that, in reducing the charge, Sautner said she was giving the actress “an opportunity.” The misdemeanor still has a potential penalty of a year in jail. Late last month, Lohan turned down a plea deal offered by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office after being told by Judge Keith Schwartz that had she accepted the DA’s deal — reportedly six months of jail time — she would have been found in violation of her probation and could serve more time. Lohan allegedly lifted a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, California, jewelry store on January 22. The owner reported the theft to the Los Angeles Police Department, which later investigated the accusation and presented evidence to the District Attorney’s office. Up until Judge Sautner’s ruling, the actress had been officially charged with one count of felony grand theft and faced up to three years in prison. Lohan’s trial date was set for June 3 and a pretrial date for May 11. Lohan must be present at both hearings. Related Photos The Highs And Lows Of Lindsay Lohan Related Artists Lindsay Lohan
