‘I remember, ‘You’re nothing without this person,’ ‘ she says during documentary, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT today (March 6) on MTV. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato in “Demi Lovato: Stay Strong” Photo: MTV Demi Lovato certainly inspires her fans to be who they are and make no apologies for it. During her MTV special, “Demi Lovato: Stay Strong,” airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT today (March 6) on MTV, the singer/actress opens up about her connection to her Lovatics, and how they inspire her as much as she inspires them. “Every time someone asks me for a picture or an autograph, even if I’m having a bad day and I’m in a bad mood, I remember, ‘You’re nothing without this person,’ ” she says during the documentary. “They make it special.” At a tour stop, one fan tells Lovato that she inspired her to not wear her wig and just embrace who she is. The young woman tells the singer, “Keep being awesome.” Later during her performance, Lovato recalls meeting the fan and invites her to come onstage to sing. “Give it up to my friend who inspired me earlier,” she tells the room of screaming Lovatics, with her special fan at her side. Her fans are a big part of “Stay Strong,” voicing their own testimonials about how they found strength in Lovato, her story and her music. “My fans have been really receptive towards me. They’ve really welcomed me into their arms after everything I’ve been through, so I’m really thankful for them,” she told MTV News. “They also stand by my side and support me no matter what, which is an amazing feeling.” She’s set to welcome fans into her life when “Stay Strong” debuts today (March 6) at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, followed by a live Q&A with the star during “The After Show” at 11 p.m. ET/PT. “I’ve just been working at it a day at a time and have been trying to continue to fight my hardest,” she told MTV News. “And I’ve had my ups and downs, and I’m still trying, but overall, it’s been a really great journey, and I’m thankful for everything that I’ve been through.” Don’t miss “Demi Lovato: Stay Strong,” debuting at 10 p.m. ET/PT today (March 6) on MTV. Related Videos Exclusive Previews Of ‘Demi Lovato: Stay Strong’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato
The show’s latest finalists leave this writer wondering where the Kelly or Carrie will come from. By Gil Kaufman “American Idol” Top 13 contestants Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty images Dear America, You don’t know me, but I’m the guy who’s been sitting on his couch for several hours each week for nearly 10 years yelling things like, “Are you effing kidding me?,” “Seriously, that guy/girl?” and “Oh, come on, how is it possible that we’re even watching the same show?” I did it because, like you, I was entranced by “American Idol” and the drama of watching potential stars climb their way to the top each week. I held on because I knew the payoff would be that triumphant final night when the confetti falls, Lionel Richie (or Kiss, or some other act your mom loves) sings a duet with a finalist and we get to hear that awful coronation song one more time before it disappears into history’s musical dustbin. But I can’t take it anymore. It’s definitely not me; it’s you. I realize I’ve been pretty judgmental this year, complaining about how “Idol” is showing its age , is blatantly stealing trick from former meanie judge Simon Cowell’s “X Factor” and just generally feels out-of-touch. I’ve been exasperated at the “everyone gets a first-place ribbon!” attitude displayed by the checking-their-watches judges, who are acting like they’re coaches at a first-grade soccer tournament and not the nation’s ratings-giant (for now) singing talent program. But after watching Thursday night’s results show , there is no one left to blame but you. What are you thinking? I get that it’s always fun to put a few ringers into the mix to make things interesting. Who didn’t enjoy the weekly yuks provided by Sanjaya? But this cast is one of the most laughable in the show’s history. And not in the good way. Yes, you passed on toothy other-other-other blonde Baylie Brown; other-other country singer Chelsea Sorell; forgettable “hot” one Chase Likens; maniacal musical Tom Cruise Reed Grimm; annoying, tear-stained Adam Brock; and “street artist” Creighton Fraker, who I was convinced was punking the show anyway. But for god’s sake, you said yes to “funny” man Heejun Han and “Idol” Lazarus Jermaine Jones? And Jimmy Iovine — c’mon, man, you’re one of the most respected men in music! You’re honestly telling me you would make an album with Jones “right now”? I can’t imagine listening to him even one more time, not to mention for 55 minutes. I defy you to find any contemporary artist on the planet who is putting up numbers groaning in that kind of death-howl baritone. And Han? I could throw a pebble in an empty karaoke bar and hit 15 drunken frat boys with more talent. I’m sure Iovine has a way better sound system on his TV at home, but no Beats by Dre subwoofer known to man explains how he believes that foot-stomping, face-making, Dave Matthews impersonator Phillip Phillips is one of the most original voices of our time. I’ve met Matthews, and he’s a very sweet, mellow guy, and even I suspect he’s chilling somewhere going, “Really?” America, I stopped being mad that you’ve failed to vote a female winner into the mix since season six. I can’t totally hate on you for the female finalists, though I continue to be mystified by your embrace of gangly teen Shannon Magrane, who strikes me as average at best. At a time when “Factor” crowned a legitimately powerful soul diva in winner Melanie Amaro and showcased a fascinating redemption story in rapper/crooner Chris Rene, contemporary R&B singer Marcus Canty, white blues man Josh Krajcik, high school cutie Rachel Crow and buzzed-about teen rapper Astro, “Idol” is offering up a warmed-over plate of potential winners whose commercial prospects feel limited at best. I’m not a TV producer, but even I thought the judges missed a potential opportunity to at least create some great reality-show drama when they passed on Brielle Von Hugel and her tenacious stage mom. Yes, Brielle, who, like a boxer, speaks of herself in the third person, is a decent singer at best. But I am willing to put a year’s salary on the line if curly crooner and wild-card survivor DeAndre Brackensick has even an iota of the success the judges and Jimmy said he did — outside of being a hair model or a joke appearance on “The Simpsons” in a Sideshow Bob gag. It’s ironic that the shiny, happy panel saved one of their only negative assessments so far this year for Von Hugel, the one person who could put some “show” into their business. Frankly, the only contestants in the mix I think are even halfway relevant are emo-ish Colton Dixon, soul man Joshua Ledet and power belter Elise Testone. Among those, only Dixon looks or sounds like someone a record label could legitimately turn into a star, and I have a sinking feeling you’ll boot him well before May. Lopez told “Access Hollywood” that she thinks this season’s finalists are “even stronger than last year.” In my world, that is somewhere below faint praise and just north of wishful thinking. I like to see and hear a variety of sounds — hip-hop, blues, rock, etc. — and see a diverse top 13. While you clearly pine for a bumper crop of blondes who sound like county fair stage-fillers and Adele-abees and generic male crooners or “quirky” vocalists who are kinda like, but no better, than the established stars they grew up imitating in their bedrooms. Conventional wisdom has it that, as a show ages, so does its audience. So, I dunno, America, maybe we just want different things. You love theme shows like next week’s Stevie Wonder tribute, while I’m more interested in hearing the contestants sing the songs of today (though not the same one twice in one show) and edgier, more relatable acts that can break the drought of platinum-selling “Idol” winners. Think about it. Until last year’s winner Scotty McCreery, only three “Idol” winners’ debuts had hit the #1 spot on the Billboard 200, and those were from season-one winner Kelly Clarkson, season two’s Ruben Studdard and season four’s Carrie Underwood. I call that a serious rut and you’re in it, and at this point you can’t blame the judges anymore. You voted for these folks, and since I don’t see another Carrie or Kelly in this mix, the best I can hope for at this point is that you prove me wrong. 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 Top 13 Contestants
‘I was most definitely nervous about opening up to the cameras,’ Lovato admits of documentary airing Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV Demi Lovato will let fans into her life when her documentary “Demi Lovato: Stay Strong” premieres March 6 on MTV. Cameras follow Lovato as she tours, goes back to visit the Illinois rehab center where she was treated, and opens up in great detail about her life post-treatment. While Lovatics got a preview of what’s to come from the trailer that dropped a few weeks back, the full picture of Demi’s struggles and her life right now will be revealed when the “Stay Strong” airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Lovato talked to MTV News this week about why she signed on for the doc. “I was most definitely nervous about opening up to the cameras,” she said. “And I was very hesitant to say certain things, but once I was around them for a while, I felt more comfortable and really opened up towards them.” The special goes deep. Demi talks candidly about her issues, from being diagnosed with bipolar disorder to struggling with both cutting and eating disorders. The singer/actress hopes the documentary can help anyone else dealing with similar kinds of pain. “My goals for my fans? It’s to really inspire people,” she said. “That’s all I hope to accomplish. If there is a young girl at home dealing with the same issues that I’m dealing with, I want to be able to reach out to her and tell her that it’s going to be OK. “You know, I speak about a lot of serious issues and I really hope to get awareness out there about the issues that I dealt with,” she continued. “But at the end of the day, I just want people to see what it’s like to be in my shoes. I kind of talked about the journey that I’ve been on and I just want people to take away a positive message. It gets better, you know?” The special is named after a pair of tattoos Demi has on her wrists that read “Stay Strong.” The tats are a tribute to the fans that Lovato said sent her that very message while she was in treatment. Don’t miss “Demi Lovato: Stay Strong,” debuting Tuesday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Related Videos Exclusive Previews Of ‘Demi Lovato: Stay Strong’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is now a role model and very proud of it. But it wasn’t always this way for the singer. In a trailer for Stay Strong – the MTV special airing on March 6 that will take viewers behind the scenes of Demi’s recent struggles and triumphs – the artist admits she had difficulty accepting her status as a celebrity at first. But her view has changed. “I have daily challenges, but so do many kids who are struggling to feel comfortable in their own skin,” she says. “If opening up and sharing my story inspires even one person to stay strong or to get the help they need, I’ve succeeded.” Watch the preview now and prepare to get to know Lovato like never before during this documentary. Stay Strong with Demi Lovato: MTV Special Preview
One domestic-violence expert talks to MTV News about the former couple’s new songs. By Jocelyn Vena Chris Brown and Rihanna in 2009 Photo: Getty Images When Rihanna and Chris Brown dropped not one, but two tracks together Monday night, the songs were met with mixed reactions. Some fans thought it was time for everyone to move on and embrace the former couple’s next chapter, while others argued that given Brown’s 2009 assault on Rihanna, it was inappropriate for them to record together. In the years since that assault, Rihanna has been open about her abusive relationship with the R&B singer, saying, “I don’t want to be the big domestic-violence spokesperson, because that doesn’t define who I am. But if I can help young women in any way, and that being one of the things they need help with, then I’ll do that.” Since that late 2009 interview with MTV News, Rihanna certainly hasn’t backed down in her career, releasing chart-topping singles, winning awards, going on tour and using videos and Twitter to show the world just how fierce she can be. After the release of the “Birthday Cake” and “Turn up the Music” remixes , Rita Smith, the executive director for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, talked to MTV News about what the collaborations mean. “I guess I’m not particularly surprised given the rumors that had gone on around this, and it’s also not surprising because many victims get back with their abusers, even after an assault. They love them, they think they change, and abusers are particularly good at convincing you they’ve changed,” she said. “I don’t know what their relationship is at this point, but I’m not surprised that she’s staying connected. “I’m still concerned because his reaction to people’s criticism of him being on the Grammys was fairly belligerent, and that didn’t give me much of a message or sense of hope that he had made changes since that assault,” she said, referring to the barrage of tweets Brown sent out after negative feedback about his Grammy appearance . “I hope he’s changed. I hope that he will never choose to use violence again no matter what kind of relationship he has with her or anybody else,” she continued. “I think, for me, it would be much more powerful if they could publicly state what’s different for them so that it doesn’t just leave us wondering if anything has changed and if they have learned anything in the process, because it was so public. We’re all wondering, because they’re not saying anything. That would leave us with a different message that it all doesn’t matter and they’re just going to do what they do.” Smith said that, given their history, “I think the message she’s sending is that the feelings of being in love are more important than your personal safety.” “The thing that matters most is whether you’re safe and whether you feel respected — that’s what matters most in a relationship and that’s what we should all be focusing on,” Smith added. “That has to be the primary goal of any relationship.” In the end, Smith hopes the two pop stars have grown since the very public assault. “I don’t know what the message is. I would like the message to be: People can change, and I will never be treated that way again and I will never treat anyone that way again. If they had released a song saying this is what this represents for us, that would be such a much more fabulous, powerful story than not saying a word,” she said. “The content of the songs seems to be more in-your-face than something about ‘we’re collaborating on something because we care about the way people treat each other.’ That would have been the message that would have been nice to come out of this very public and tragic incident.” What do you think of Chris Brown and Rihanna working together in light of their history? Sound off in the comments. Related Videos Chris Brown & Rihanna: Love In Trouble Related Photos Rihanna And Chris Brown: A Photo Timeline Related Artists Rihanna Chris Brown
Singer tweets out a photo of her wrists emblazoned with her ‘Stay Strong’ tattoos and the date ‘3.6.2012.’ By Jocelyn Vena What does Demi Lovato have up her sleeve? We’ll know in good time. But for now, the singer/actress tweeted out a photo teasing a super-secret special project she is working on with MTV. The photo features her wrists, emblazoned with her tattoos that read “Stay Strong.” The picture offers up a couple of hints: the date “3.6.2012” and the hashtag #staystrong. “Lovatics-I wanted to tell you FIRST about a special I worked on with @MTV,” she tweeted . “It premieres March 6th at 10pm!! #staystrong” Lovato first showed off the ink back in March 2011, just two months after she left an Illinois treatment center to deal with personal issues including an eating disorder and cutting. “The journey that I went through and the support of my fans was so meaningful to me that I wanted to thank my fans in a way that I know can never be forgotten,” the singer said in 2011. “It’s something that my fans were actually drawing on their wrists while I was still in treatment,” she explained about the significance of her tattoos. “Some people even got tattoos of it, so I wanted to show you guys that I will never forget the support that you guys gave me.” Since returning to the spotlight, she has focused on her music career, including her 2011 album, Unbroken, which launched her empowering hit single “Skyscraper.” Her next single is “Give Your Heart a Break.” Lovato has become a voice for young people struggling with personal issues. In December, she visited and spoke to patients at the Timberline Knolls Center , where she had received treatment. “To be able to share my story and let them know that it gets easier … Life is beautiful … you are worthy of it,” Lovato said. “Please say a prayer for all of those struggling with eating disorders, self-harm, mood disorders and substance abuse.” Tune in to MTV on Tuesday, March 6, at 10 p.m. for Demi Lovato’s top-secret special! Related Artists Demi Lovato
Kaley Cuoco was the master of ceremonies at last night’s People’s Choice Awards in L.A. while Jennifer Lawrence may clean up at this fun awards show in 2013. The Hunger Games promises to be one of the year’s most-watched film events, with the 21-year-old star – already an Oscar nominee for Winter’s Bone – as the lead. Right now, however, we’re focused on Wednesday night, and Jennifer’s style, contrasted with that of The Big Bang Theory star Kaley. Who was best dressed? Vote for your favorite style star in THG’s Fashion Face-Off below!
Morgan Freeman and Neil Patrick Harris were both among the People’s Choice Awards winners last night, as the pictures below make abundantly clear. Who was the best dressed of the two, talented actors, however? The How I Met Your Mother star wore his signature suit, while the Hollywood icon went a more casual route, with suit pants and jacket sans tie. Hey, when you win an award for your icon status, you do what you want! Vote for your favorite style star in THG’s Fashion Face-Off below …
Vanessa Hudgens introduced Demi Lovato at the People’s Choice Awards last night, prior to the singing coming out and underwhelming us with a performance of “Give Your Heart a Break.” So it’s only appropriate that these two are linked here, in the latest edition of a THG Fashion Face-Off. Both stars chose a dress for the event that highlighted a certain section of their bodies; for Demi it was the chest region; for Vanessa, the back. Do you prefer one style over another? Did Lovato go too far with her cleavage accentuation? Which look do you like best? Decide now.
What is WRONG with this dude??? How wack do you have to be to be unable to keep the fresh-out-of-rehab, barely over her body issues 19-year-old ? Or to break her heart on purpose? On-the-DL couple Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama have parted ways, a source confirms to E! News. Lovato’s rep has always been—and continues to be—mum on the subject, but we’re hearing that the age gap (she’s 19, he’s 31) just proved uncrossable for the duo. Meanwhile, though she never officially admitted to dating her longtime friend, Lovato did post a couple of suspect tweets today… First, she retweeted another girl’s tweet, a Marilyn Monroe quotation reading, “A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love, listens but doesn’t believe, and leaves before she is left.” Then Lovato added herself, “The smartest thing a woman can ever learn, is to never need a man.” News of the split—not to mention the cryptic tweets—comes after Valderrama randomly added Lovato’s ex, Joe Jonas, to his inner circle. Dayum. Who would have thought Fez would have grown up to be such a d-bag? Source
