As the big night fast approaches, it’s time for another of Movieline’s virtual awards roundtables. Our Oscar nominees this time are up for Best Costume Design. They are (in alphabetical order):
Tim McGraw, Lamb of God also make appearances in top 10. By James Montgomery Adele’s 21 Photo: Columbia Records Hey, guess what? Adele is #1 on the Billboard albums chart again. Yes, for the 18th time, the British belter’s 21 claims the top spot, selling nearly 116,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album has now tied Garth Brooks’ Ropin’ the Wind for 18 non-consecutive weeks at #1; she needs just three more weeks atop the chart to move past the “Bodyguard” soundtrack and Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii, both of which notched 20 weeks at #1. As is usually the case, Adele makes it look easy. Her closest chart competition comes in the form of Tim McGraw ‘s Emotional Traffic, which scores the week’s biggest debut, opening at #2 with sales of nearly 68,000 copies. Lamb of God ‘s Resolution bows at #3, selling almost 53,000 copies. The 2012 Grammy Nominees compilation (more than 52,000 copies sold) and Ingrid Michaelson ‘s Human Again (nearly 40,000 copies sold) round out the top five. The 21st installment of the ubiquitous Kidz Bop series is next at #6, with sales of more than 33,000 copies, followed by former “American Idol” firecracker Kellie Pickler ‘s 100 Proof (more than 27,000 copies) at #7, Seal ‘s Soul 2 (slightly more than 27,000 copies) at #8, Drake ‘s Take Care (more than 26,000 copies) at #9 and Kari Jobe ‘s Where I Find You (nearly 25,000 copies) at #10. Outside the top 10, there are debuts from the expansive four-disc Bob Dylan tribute Chimes of Freedom, which bows at #11 with sales of more than 22,000 copies (the two-disc version opens at #39), and Lacuna Coil , whose Dark Adrenaline opens at #15 with sales of nearly 20,000 copies. On next week’s chart, Adele faces new challenges from the likes of Leonard Cohen ‘s Old Ideas and Lana Del Rey ‘s Born to Die . Related Videos MTV Unplugged: Adele Related Artists Adele
‘I just really want to see some hope restored in America,’ one voter tells MTV News a day before Florida primary. By Gil Kaufman Mitt Romney greets supporters in Jacksonville Photo: Joe Raedle/ Getty Images JACKSONVILLE, Florida — One skipped school to be there, another took time out from her college courses and working at her two jobs to drop in, and both liked what they heard from Mitt Romney on Monday (January 30). One day before the primary in the pivotal swing state of Florida , which could finally cement his status as the leader of the pack in the Republican presidential nominating contest , a pumped-up Romney took the stage at a Caterpillar equipment dealership to speak to an enthusiastic crowd. His message of “real hope and change” resonated with Amy Gallogly, 23, a community college student who works at a tax service and an alarm company in the area. “I just really want to see some hope restored in American,” she said after the event wrapped as Romney shook hands and signed autographs while Kid Rock’s “Born Free” blasted from the speakers. “I’m just really pushing for any Republican candidate. … The one reason I really am pushing for Mitt Romney [though] is because I think he’s the one candidate who can beat Obama .” High school senior Tori Reiman, 18, came with her mom, who works in the real-estate business in the state with the nation’s highest foreclosure rate. “I’m kind of over Obama,” she said. “He’s not doing his job. He’s raising the taxes on the richer side of American, which I don’t believe is fair.” Asked why she came out to the event, Reiman said, “I believe in Mitt Romney and I believe in America.” Law student Eric Bast, 24, definitely picked up on Romney’s message of change, saying that he’s energized to participate in his first election. “I want to change it back,” said Bast, who recently registered to vote . MTV is on the scene in Florida! Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage of the primaries and stick with PowerOf12.org throughout the 2012 presidential election season. Related Videos Florida Primary: The Race Is On!
Fellow mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones are also out; a source tells Deadline ‘none of the three left on their own accord.’ By Kara Warner Paula Abdul Photo: Mark Davis/ Gety Images For any “X Factor” fans who are thinking season two of the Simon Cowell-created singing competition will be business as usual, think again, because Monday (January 30) marked a veritable bloodletting of the show’s key talent and judging panel. In addition to the losses of mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones , original “American Idol” diva and delightfully unpredictable judge Paula Abdul will also not be returning to the program. A source close to Cowell told Deadline.com that all three personalities were asked to leave the show. “None of the three left on their own accord,” Deadline editor Nikki Finke wrote of what her insider source told her of the mass exodus. “It was cleaning house day at the so-so rated show.” Despite their frequent onscreen bickering and banter, Cowell spoke highly of Abdul when it was announced that she would be joining him on “X Factor.” “I missed her the second she left [‘Idol’],” Cowell told Deadline last year. “Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she’s right. I’ve never found anyone better than her.” Former Pussycat Doll and “Dancing With the Stars” champ Scherzinger was also sent packing, although a source close to Scherzinger told E! News that she left the show to focus on her music career. “She’s spoken to Simon [Cowell], and he’s given her his blessing,” the insider told E! Scherzinger often became emotional during elimination episodes, shedding tears and expressing sympathy for ousted contestants. As for inaugural “X Factor” host Jones, the cheeky Welshman broke the news himself via Twitter on Monday. “I won’t be hosting next seasons X Factor which is a shame but I cant complain as I’ve had a great time,” Jones tweeted to his more than 94,000 followers. “Good luck to everyone on the show.” Jones had decidedly big shoes to fill stepping into the gig, with comparisons instantly made to “American Idol” host/ media mogul Ryan Seacrest. Throughout the season, the reviews of Jones’ hosting skills were decidedly mixed. As far as we know, L.A. Reid will continue to work alongside Cowell on the judging panel. There has been no word yet from Fox on who might replace Abdul, Scherzinger and Jones, or when season two will premiere. Who do you think should join “X Factor”? Share your ideas in the comments! Related Artists Paula Abdul Nicole Scherzinger
Singer also looks forward to the release of her major-label debut. By James Montgomery Lana Del Rey Photo: MTV It’s been a rather interesting couple of weeks for Lana Del Rey, beginning with the rather robust online debate over her “Saturday Night Live” performance, and then the subsequent fallout following that performance, in which everyone from “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams to comedian Whitney Cummings weighed in, voicing both derision and support for the singer. Not surprisingly, Del Rey would prefer to put the matter behind her and focus instead on her upcoming major-label debut, Born to Die (due January 31). As she told MTV News , the album represents her attempt to “re-create myself in song form,” a majestic, maudlin collection of dramatic torch songs that recalls everything from Thomas Newman’s “American Beauty” score to “[Bruce] Springsteen’s summertime sadness.” “Sonically, I always knew exactly what I wanted,” Del Rey said. “That’s really the only thing I do know. The rest of it was sort of up in the air. I’ve been a writer for a really long time, and a sort of bad composer, but a composer nonetheless. It was something I did alone for some time and then became a collaborative effort as I met better and better people.” Those people include Brit Justin Parker, who composed much of the music on the album, Philadelphia legend Larry Gold, who’s arranged strings for the likes of Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, and producer Emile Haynie, best known for tracks by Kanye West and Eminem. Del Rey calls them “her crew,” and they helped shape her ideas into an album that mixes both the light with the dark, the sadness with the sweetness. “Justin started lacing the tracks with melancholic chords, brought out the bittersweetness that I wanted, and Emile kind of kept it really dark and f—ed up with his heavy beats, and Larry kept it soaring and gorgeous with his strings,” Del Rey explained. “Everyone knew the direction I was going in, and it was very much a collaborative effort.” And of course, though she’s been suffering the slings and arrows of her critics following her “SNL” performance, Del Rey is most definitely planning on spending the next few weeks promoting Born to Die with a spate of TV appearances. And she’s also making plans for a full-blown tour tentatively scheduled for October — one that she’s already making special arrangements for. And given the past few weeks, perhaps that’s a good idea. “I’m capping every venue at 900 [capacity], because I don’t want to perform for more [people] than that,” she said. “So what I want to do is do three nights in New York, at like Irving Plaza, and then three nights at the El Rey in L.A., and then, in between, do 15 cities, and cap it at 900 venues. And everybody [at her label, Interscope] is onboard, so that’s what we’re going to do.” What did you think of Lana Del Rey’s “SNL” performance? Sound off below! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Lana Del Rey Related Artists Lana Del Rey
Producer Noah ’40’ Shebib tells MTV News in an exclusive interview that while working with the MC, ‘We get to do what we want.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Steven Roberts Drake Photo: Getty Images One look at the production credits on Drake ‘s 2010 debut, Thank Me Later, serves as a reminder to just how hot the Toronto MC was out of the gate. Guests like Jay-Z, T.I. and Alicia Keys lent their voices, while multiplatinum producers like Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland offered their sonic expertise. The music world was truly Drake’s oyster, but on his sophomore set, Take Care, Drizzy scaled things back in order to make a bigger impact. Instead of pooling together his resources and using his hitmaking influence, Drake went back to basics, choosing to record the entire album in Toronto with friend and engineer/producer Noah “40” Shebib , the studio wiz who helped Drake cook up his 2009 breakout tape, So Far Gone . “I can’t sit there and tell you that anybody made any conscious decisions to the extent of, ‘Oh, we’re gonna make this feel of an album,’ ” 40 told MTV News in December from Take Care studios in Toronto. “We really just make records and cut music until someone says, ‘That’s it: You can’t make any more music; you gotta stop.’ ” The result was a cohesive and emotional 18-track ride, with two bonus tracks for iTunes. The MC revealed to MTV News that the narrative that drives his latest LP was inspired by “Houstatlantavegas,” a So Far Gone track produced by 40. “I really didn’t start working with Drake production-wise until So Far Gone ,” Shebib said. “As far as Drake and music and the people around him, he really controls that, and he picks all those records, and my goal is to facilitate that.” And facilitate he did. 40 either produced or co-produced 15 of the 20 total Take Care tracks. One song in particular, the Lil Wayne- and Andre 3000-assisted “The Real Her,” started with a reverse piano loop that the beatsmith had given to Drake a year before they began working on the album. It might have seemed insignificant at the time, but Drake eventually came back with a song idea off of that one sample. “What ends up happening a lot of times with our records is that, because I can do a lot of things in the studio, whether it be play instruments or produce or edit or run Pro Tools or edit vocals, whatever the case may be, I help him get out his ideas,” 40 said. “I think that’s the goal of any good producer, is to make sure the artist is delivering what they want.” With Cash Money/ Young Money’s track record of success, Drake’s label trusted in the rapper and producer’s abilities, allowing them to create without looking over their shoulder. Safe to say, it all paid off when Take Care debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart, pushing over 631,000 copies in its first week after it was released November 15. The album is now well-past platinum, on its way to 2 million records sold in just under three months. “We get to do what we want: We don’t have to clear it with the A&Rs or anybody. We are our own A&Rs,” Shebib explained. “And that’s the greatest freedom you can possibly have in this business.” Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Drake Related Photos ’40’ Making ‘Take Care’
Stocking stuffers have always been cheap(er) last-minute gifts, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun, practical and thoughtful! Here are 10 gifts your friends & family never knew they needed (but will love) for under $15! Candy Cane Shot Glass, $4.50 Kid Robot Keycaps, $5 Get The Hint Stickies, $6 Ice Cream Kitchen Timer, $8 Keep Calm Bandages, $9 Animal Shower Cap, $9 Bottle Opener Ring (Set of 2), $9 DIY 3-in-1 Nail Art Pen, $12.50 iPod Hoodie, $15 Scrabble Refrigerator Magnet Set, $15 7 Unique Personalized Gift Ideas For The Holidays Holiday Gift Guide: Accessories For Your Fashionable Boyfriend Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Gifts For The Girl Who Likes To Entertain
‘I’m certainly more optimistic than I was four months ago,’ David Cross tells MTV News about returning to the Bluth household. By Josh Wigler David Cross Photo: MTV News “Arrested Development” fans across the world rejoiced in early October when it was announced that the cult comedy classic would make a comeback in the form of a new television miniseries and movie . Since then, Netflix has come aboard to host the new “Arrested” series , adding further hope to the fact that this time, finally, for serious, no fakesies or backsies, the Bluths are really returning to the screen. Even David Cross — who starred on the show as world-renowned analrapist (that’s analyst/therapist, you pervs) Tobias F
Brooklyn MC hints at possible involvement in West’s G.O.O.D. Music compilation album. By Jocelyn Vena Theophilus London Photo: Getty Images Given their similar aesthetics and emotional rhymes, it’s no surprise that Theophilus London and Kanye West have plans to team up — on something. When MTV News caught up with London this week, he teased that he and Yeezy have some sort of collaboration on the horizon. “He’s working on his G.O.O.D. Music record soon,” London said, not mentioning whether he’s involved in that project. “I’m just happy to be affiliated with him. We email each other back and forth and tip each other off on different fashion things. He’s just a good friend. Right now, I can’t say anything else about that, but he’s just a good friend.” West announced last month that he was working on a G.O.O.D. compilation album , even citing a time frame for when he wanted to drop it. “Goodmusic. The album. Spring 2012,” he tweeted , providing just enough information to get fans excited for what’s to come. These days, Yeezy is on the road with longtime pal Jay-Z on the Watch the Throne Tour . London already caught the show and has only the kindest words to say about it. “I went to check out the Watch the Throne Tour; it’s amazing,” he said of one of two Madison Square Garden shows. “I recommend it.” While Kanye tours with Jay-Z and decides what his next move with London is, the Brooklyn MC is riding the wave of being included on the “Breaking Dawn- Part 1” soundtrack with his song “Neighbors.” “When they asked me do it, I was very privileged and pleased. I wanted to do a super emo song about neighbors and how neighbors are very important,” he said. “A lot of people are freaking out, but it’s a whole new fanbase for me. I’m just so stoked that all these cute girls that like vampires hear my song.” What kind of collabo do you want to see between ‘Ye and Theophilus? Share your ideas in the comments! Related Artists Theophilus London Kanye West
Alicia Keys is for the kids y’all… It’s a well-known fact that it feels better to give than to receive. Perhaps no celebrity knows that better than Alicia Keys. Not only is she single-handedly fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa and India with her Keep a Child Alive organization, she’s joining forces with Western Union to make the world a better place… one thousand dollars at a time. Earlier today ESSENCE.com was invited to attend a “World of Betters” press conference where a special campaign was announced. Western Union and Alicia Keys are asking you to submit your ideas on how you would make the world a better place if you had a thousand dollars. The best 500 will be chosen by the public and after that a panel of judges will select 100 lucky people to receive $1,000 cash to fulfill their promise. Keys kicked off the entire campaign today at her alma mater, Professional Performing Arts High School. It was announced that she is donating instruments and other music equipment to the school in honor of the program’s first day. To sign up for an opportunity to help change the world go HERE Essence Flip the page to peep the pics
Breaking Sports Video
