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‘American Idol’ Alum Matt Giraud Thinks Steven Tyler Was ‘Really Funny’

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘To sit in front of an icon like that has got to be ridiculous,’ the season eight finalist says. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Jim Cantiello Matt Giraud via streaming video on Wednesday Photo: MTV News On Wednesday night, the new and revamped “American Idol” debuted. It was Simon Cowell-free and featured new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler . So, what did season 8 contestant Matt Giraud think of the show without Cowell? “I did kind of miss him. I was kind of thinking, ‘Oh yeah, can’t wait to hear what Simon says … oh yeah, there’s no Simon.’ [But] I think they did pretty well,” he told MTV News on Wednesday night during “Judging the Judges.” “We missed him. He adds something for sure.” While he was mourning the loss of Cowell, as did fellow Season 8 contestant Allison Iraheta , Giraud did have an interesting analysis of one new judge’s style. “I know the producers are worried about Steven Tyler ‘s mouth,” he joked. “I thought he was really funny, how he was checking out all the contestants. Watch when they go live. He’s going to look like a puppy on a leash.” Regarding Tyler’s somewhat animated judging style, Giraud says that he may have scatted right back at him if given the chance. “I would do the same thing back! I would probably want to sing an Aerosmith song,” he laughed. “To sit in front of an icon like that has got to be ridiculous. I think the judges this year, it’s kind of cool to see actual entertainers who are still relevant.” With the judges’ table completely revamped save for “Idol” vet Randy Jackson, does it even matter who sits at the table in the long run? “They do give you advice. I think in the beginning rounds, every word they say is so important. It means a lot in the beginning,” he explained. “But I think as you go along and you know you have fans out there, they matter less and less.” 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:’ Judging The Judges Related Photos Before Steven Tyler Was An ‘American Idol’ Judge … Jennifer Lopez: From The Block To ‘American Idol’

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Jennifer Lopez: An ‘American Idol’ Cheat Sheet

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Catch up on all the dish about new judge J.Lo before season 10 begins. By Jocelyn Vena “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez Photo: Tony Duran / FOX Jennifer Lopez has long been a triple-threat, having conquered music, movies and everything in between. This week, “Jenny From the Block” adds a new gig to her extensive resume: “American Idol” judge . On Wednesday night (January 18), as the new season of the hit Fox reality series kicks off, fans are eager to see what the one-time “In Living Color” “fly girl” will bring to the mix, alongside fellow newbie Steven Tyler and “Idol” vet Randy Jackson. Since September’s announcement that she got the gig, Lopez has made it clear she brings one thing to the table: “tough love.” “I think there are definitely better ways to get your point across [than being cruel],” she said at last year’s announcement. “I’ve mentored on the show before, so I think people have seen that and kinda can feel how I’ll be — or maybe they’ll be surprised.” Later that month, Lopez used three words to describe her judging style : “tough, easy and fair.” “I don’t want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they’re nervous, and not get to see what they could have did,” Lopez said. “They’re going to come in here and be a little bit nervous in the beginning, and then you realize, ‘Wow, that person is really talented.’ So we work them a little bit more than maybe you’ve seen in the past. We’ve given them more of a chance. “We know what it’s like to be out there,” Lopez added. “I was energized by all of their spirit when they come in here, and they’re so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be.” That same week, “AI” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe posted a photo online of the new judges sitting at the table with “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Jackson. With the release of her new song, “On the Floor” (featuring Pitbull, produced by RedOne), and the new season ready to kick off, Lopez revealed she’s really meshing with her fellow judges. “I love everybody,” she said back in October. “It’s such a machine. It runs like clockwork. … Everything’s great!” How do you think Jennifer Lopez will be as an “Idol” judge? Sound off in the comments below! Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com Wednesday (January 18) at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Jennifer Lopez: From The Block To ‘American Idol’ Related Artists Jennifer Lopez

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Back To December’ Video Director Explains Clip

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I wanted [Taylor] to perform a very natural way, to make her look very European,’ says Yoann Lemoine. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Swift in “Back to December” Photo: Big Machine Records In her video for “Back to December,” Taylor Swift finds herself and her home covered in snow while she contemplates the best way to apologize to her former beau, played by model Guntars Asmanis , for breaking his heart. Director Yoann Lemoine tells MTV News that he had a certain aesthetic he wanted to capture for the chilly clip, which was shot partly in Nashville (for Swift’s scenes) and Upstate New York (for Asmanis’ scenes) in December. “I wanted the video to be very simple and metaphorical at the same time,” the Frenchman explained. “I wanted to work on the coldness of feelings in a very visual way, playing with the snow, the distance and sadness. [Taylor] really liked it. The winter theme was very interesting to me — the snow, the ice. I even wanted the guy to go swim in frozen lakes at some point. It was not possible, but I wanted to translate how you feel sometime when your heart is broken. The snow in the apartment is supposed to show how connected she is to him. He is outside, in the cold, but somehow she is connected to him.” Swift pretty much let Lemoine have control over the clip’s look and feel, although it was her idea to have her character leave the letter for her beloved. As for Swift’s look in the video, Lemoine says he was focused on making sure that it all felt real and that she came off as accessible. “I have been going through a lot of videos and pictures of her on the Internet trying to find the best angle and style for her. I wanted people to feel like they would get to know her very intimately, and really trust in what she was saying,” he explained. “I wanted her to perform a very natural way, to make her look very European. This was the main challenge to me. All of Taylor’s world is very far away from my culture, but I saw something in her that could be very rough and heartbreaking; far from the princess glittery outfits and glam that she often goes for.” As for Asmanis, the duo agreed that he was the perfect fit for the part. “I wanted a boy that was fragile and beautiful. I didn’t want to go for a hunk or a perfect cheesy boy that would have killed the sincerity of the video,” Lemoine said. “I just imagined a face that would enhance the fragility of the video. We did cast a couple of boys and both Taylor and I loved Guntars.” Related Artists Taylor Swift

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‘Skins’ Stars’ Parents Are ‘Cool’ With Show’s Racy Material

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘She understands the heart of the show,’ Ron Mustafaa says of his mom’s reaction to the show. By Jocelyn Vena Skins” cast member Camille Cresencia-Mills Photo: MTV News Given all the sex and drugs on “Skins,” which premiered Monday night on MTV, one might think that its young stars would have a lot of explaining to do with their parents. While it all takes place in the fictional realm of the show, one of the show’s actors admits that it has lead to some awkward talks with his mom. “My mom is like really cool, but she’s, like, really Indian,” Ron Mustafaa, who plays Abbud, laughed to MTV News about the show’s racy subject matter. “She’s not really accustomed to a lot of the crazy stuff on American television. She’s really cool with it because she understands the heart of the show … growing up and finding out who you are, but at times I have some weird convos with my mom about filming certain sequences … [but] it’s all tastefully done.” Some “Skins” cast said they watched the U.K. version with their parents, so the show’s themes were nothing new. “For the most part, our parents are really just proud of us,” Sofia Black-D’Elia (Tea) said. “So, maybe we do some crazy things on the show, maybe they’re going to watch us take lots of fake drugs, but at the end of the day, they’re also seeing us work our butts off, and do everything that we really wanted to do with this career. So far, my parents are personally so proud of me.” After seeing British “Skins” stars like Dev Patel and Nicholas Hoult go on to bigger things after the show, is the new cast ready for fame and fortune? “I think it’s one of those things where they had success afterwards because of their talents and because of what they were able to do,” James Newman (Tony) said of the U.K. version’s stars. “I don’t think it has that much to do with us in that we’re trying to play our roles. Whatever happens after that has to do with us. We’re all so excited about this show we’re not really thinking about what’s coming afterwards.” “I was just gonna say were trying to just concentrate on sleeping and getting some rest,” D’Elia added. “I’m proud of all of us after everything we’ve accomplished, and I think the aftermath doesn’t worry us right now. … Right now, more than anything, we’re excited to see the show.” Watch “Skins” on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Skins | Ep. 2 | Sneak Peek Related Photos Skins | NYC Premiere Party

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‘Skins’ Stars’ Parents Are ‘Cool’ With Show’s Racy Material

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘She understands the heart of the show,’ Ron Mustafaa says of his mom’s reaction to the show. By Jocelyn Vena Skins” cast member Camille Cresencia-Mills Photo: MTV News Given all the sex and drugs on “Skins,” which premiered Monday night on MTV, one might think that its young stars would have a lot of explaining to do with their parents. While it all takes place in the fictional realm of the show, one of the show’s actors admits that it has lead to some awkward talks with his mom. “My mom is like really cool, but she’s, like, really Indian,” Ron Mustafaa, who plays Abbud, laughed to MTV News about the show’s racy subject matter. “She’s not really accustomed to a lot of the crazy stuff on American television. She’s really cool with it because she understands the heart of the show … growing up and finding out who you are, but at times I have some weird convos with my mom about filming certain sequences … [but] it’s all tastefully done.” Some “Skins” cast said they watched the U.K. version with their parents, so the show’s themes were nothing new. “For the most part, our parents are really just proud of us,” Sofia Black-D’Elia (Tea) said. “So, maybe we do some crazy things on the show, maybe they’re going to watch us take lots of fake drugs, but at the end of the day, they’re also seeing us work our butts off, and do everything that we really wanted to do with this career. So far, my parents are personally so proud of me.” After seeing British “Skins” stars like Dev Patel and Nicholas Hoult go on to bigger things after the show, is the new cast ready for fame and fortune? “I think it’s one of those things where they had success afterwards because of their talents and because of what they were able to do,” James Newman (Tony) said of the U.K. version’s stars. “I don’t think it has that much to do with us in that we’re trying to play our roles. Whatever happens after that has to do with us. We’re all so excited about this show we’re not really thinking about what’s coming afterwards.” “I was just gonna say were trying to just concentrate on sleeping and getting some rest,” D’Elia added. “I’m proud of all of us after everything we’ve accomplished, and I think the aftermath doesn’t worry us right now. … Right now, more than anything, we’re excited to see the show.” Watch “Skins” on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Skins | Ep. 2 | Sneak Peek Related Photos Skins | NYC Premiere Party

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Lady Gaga’s New Single Is ‘So Beautiful,’ RedOne Says

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Born This Way producer says, ‘We get into the studio and suddenly magic happens.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias Lady Gaga Photo: Steven Lawton/FilmMagic On February 13, Lady Gaga will finally release the first single off her highly anticipated May release, Born This Way . Sure, Gaga has said she wants this to be the best album of the decade and that it will most likely “piss people off,” but little is known about the album’s vibe sonically. Her producer, RedOne, wouldn’t spill too many details about the single when MTV News caught up with him at the LA Times’ The Envelope Roundtable – Music Producers, but he did let everyone know that the pair have once again made magic happen. “I think it’s too precious to talk about,” RedOne explained. “It’s so beautiful, and Gaga is very special to all of us — to the world.” Last fall, Gaga blew her fans away when she released “Bad Romance,” a catchy, incredibly massive tune including her very own Gaga battle cry. The epic lead single off The Fame Monster has fans and haters wondering if she could ever top herself. RedOne said you don’t have to worry about that. “Honestly, the only thing we do is we get into the studio and suddenly magic happens,” he said. “We never overthink, or we just do what we do. That’s how it all started. With ‘Just Dance,’ we did it in one hour. There was no overthinking. Even though I remember when we did ‘Poker Face,’ people said musically it brought something new to the music and you won’t be able to top it, we went into the studio and we did ‘Bad Romance’ on a bus. “That explains how we do it, so I can’t tell you anything about what’s coming but that’s what we do. We just get in and do music we love and feel it, and thank God it comes out good.” How do you expect Born This Way to sound? Give us your predictions in the comments! Related Artists Lady Gaga

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‘Skins’ Cast Talks Sex, Drugs And American Teens

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

MTV’s provocative new show is really about ‘the relationships, and that’s what teenagers relate to,’ star Sofia Black-D’Elia says. By Jocelyn Vena A scene from MTV’s “Skins” Photo: MTV At first glance, it might seem easy to boil down the teen drama “Skins” to a simple format: teens doing lots of drugs while having lots of sex and listening to lots of rock and roll. But the cast of MTV’s American version of the soapy U.K. show, which premiered on Monday night, say you’re not watching closely enough if that’s all you see. “I don’t think the sex and the drugs is really what’s prominent. … Throughout the season, what’s more important is the relationships, and that’s what teenagers relate to,” Sofia Black-D’Elia explained. ” ‘Skins’ isn’t about drugs and sex. ‘Skins’ is about best friends and growing up.” But it does raise the question: Are kids really that wild? “There definitely are kids like this that exist in America,” Daniel Flaherty, who plays Stanley, told MTV News recently. “There are those kids that love to party and go out and disobey their parents and do whatever they want and do take whatever pills and drugs, so not all of America is like that, but there’s definitely kids in America that are like that.” “Things like this certainly happen [in real life],” added James Newman, who plays Tony. “I don’t think they necessarily happen with the frequency that it happens on ‘Skins,’ but it’s TV and we want it to be entertaining and it helps from a standpoint on sex and drugs. It doesn’t happen as much, but I think as far as relationships the friends have with each other and the emotions, that stuff is dead-on, spot for spot what we went through in high school. … Anytime you see sex and drugs on ‘Skins,’ it’s about the story. It’s never that for the sake of that.” Britne Oldford plays Cadie, and she told us she hopes viewers will be able to relate to the characters. “I definitely hope that teens, even adults or parents that watch the show, take away a sense of security because, hey, maybe they’ll see someone who’s a lot like them going through the [same] situation,” she said. “And they won’t feel so alone. Everyone in the show is relatable to a certain extent.” What did you think of the first episode of “Skins”? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Related Videos Skins | Sneak Peek Skins | Extended Trailers

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‘Skins’ Premiere: Cast Tells Us What To Expect

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Pilot episode airs Monday night (January 17) at 10 p.m. on MTV. By Jocelyn Vena Sofia Black D’Elia as Tea on “Skins” Photo: Jason Nacito On Monday night (January 17), the American version of “Skins” kicks off. And with expectations high, since so many viewers stateside love the U.K. version of the sexy teen soap, the cast admits the pilot, which is basically a shot-for-shot remake of the original’s pilot, is really just a great tease for what’s to come. “For people who haven’t seen the U.K. version, it’s an introduction,” said James Newman, who plays “Skins” smooth-talker Tony. Britne Oldford, who plays Cadie on the show, explained: “The pilot is essentially … a parallel to the original version’s first episode. There are two episodes that are parallels, and then everything else is original, so it’s really … an introduction to all the characters, and hopefully after that, everyone will keep watching.” There’s plenty to watch for as complex characters deal with complex issues including substance abuse, divorce and jealousy, to name a few, but none of it is glamorized. In between the glossy party scenes, the characters deal with intense emotions and consequences. “I think the pilot is really an introduction to the characters, the whole rich people thing, the losing your virginity thing. All those storylines are kind of just this way of getting to know all of us,” said Sofia Black D’Elia, who plays Tea. “I’m actually more excited for audiences to see what happens afterward,” she continued. “It’s such an intro that you don’t really get a sense of what our show has become at this point now. At 10 episodes later, it’s so much different.” Don’t miss the premiere of “Skins” on Monday (January 17) at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Skins | Sneak Peek Skins | Extended Trailers

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‘Alien’ Prequel Turns Into Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘While ‘Alien’ was indeed the jumping-off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology,’ director tells Deadline. By Kara Warner Ridley Scott Photo: 20th Century Fox Ever since news broke that Ridley Scott would be revisiting his famous “Alien” franchise in the form of a prequel, the Internets have been a buzzing with rumors, analysis, etc. There have been a slew of actors and writers rumored to be attached to the film , including Keanu Reeves and Natalie Portman, writer John Spaihts and a rewrite from “Lost” genius Damon Lindelof. What we know so far is that the film will be set 30 years prior to the original “Alien,” and on Friday (January 14) came word that it isn’t so much a prequel as something “more original,” according to a Deadline report. The film has an official title, “Prometheus,” and release date, March 9, 2012. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace (“Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) has signed on to star as Elizabeth Shaw, one of two female leads. The rest of the cast is said to be filled out “soon,” with Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron both said to be interested in jumping on Scott’s expectedly epic return to sci-fi filmmaking. Scott once told MTV News that he “avoided sequels, unless [he] felt there was something fresh,” and judging from what he’s doing with “Prometheus,” the new film will be just that. “While ‘Alien’ was indeed the jumping-off point for this project, out of the creative process evolved a new, grand mythology and universe in which this original story takes place,” he said. “The keen fan will recognize strands of ‘Alien’ ‘s DNA, so to speak, but the ideas tackled in this film are unique, large and provocative. I couldn’t be more pleased to have found the singular tale I’d been searching for, and finally return to this genre that’s so close to my heart.” Lindelof said what lured him in was Scott’s original vision for the film: “It’s daring, visceral and, hopefully, the last thing anyone expects,” he said, adding that working with the Oscar winner is a dream come true. “When I sat in a movie theater as a kid, feet raised off the floor for fear that something might grab my ankles, I never dreamed in my wildest imagination I would one day get to collaborate with the man responsible for it. Working alongside him has been nothing short of a dream come true.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

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Joe Jonas Wants Fans To Dance To His Solo Album

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘They’ve been wanting this for me for a long time,’ he tells MTV News of support from Jonas Brothers Nick and Kevin. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias Joe Jonas Photo: MTV News The Jonas Brothers always seem to stand by one another, even if that means stepping away from the trio to try out new projects. Last year, Joe and Kevin gave Nick their blessing when he released a solo LP. And now that Joe is working on new music , his brothers are showing him the same support. “I think there’s a lot of emotions that I feel about doing my solo project. I think I was nervous in the beginning,” Joe told MTV News when we visited him and producer Danja at the studio. “I wanted to have my brothers’ support, and the fact they’re both so excited for me and they’ve been wanting this for me for a long time [is great].” As part of Nick Jonas and the Administration, Nick released the bluesy, pop rock album Who I Am in 2010, but Joe’s project will likely have a different sound. “To be able to go on a musical journey for a while and finally, with finding Danja and working with him, we’ve been able to collaborate on something that really works for me,” Joe explained. “And [to] find me and not try to mold it into something it’s not, to try and be myself and my music and kind of tell stories and be honest and just have something … [that] when people hear it, hopefully they’ll be able to dance to it and have a good time.” While their solo musical directions may differ, Joe said he learned some things from Nick. “I think the biggest thing that I saw from [Nick], he just had a good time,” he said. “He made a record that was for him and this one is for me and my fans. To be able to get in here everyday and just vibe out, we’re all just having a great time in here. The biggest piece is that I’m on the journey. … It’s just gonna be a fun vibe to everything.” Are you looking forward to hearing Joe’s solo material? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Joe Jonas Related Artists Joe Jonas

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