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Drake Calls Nicki Minaj’s ‘Moment 4 Life’ A ‘Fantasy Video’

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Clip premieres tonight at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live Q&A session with Nicki! By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Sway Calloway Drake on the set of “Moment 4 Life” Photo: MTV News Drake has tons of acting experience, but he said he doesn’t need to bust out his thespian skills for his onscreen team-up with Nicki Minaj. The Toronto MC and former “Degrassi” star chopped it up with MTV News on the set of the video for the Young Money superstars’ collabo “Moment 4 Life,” which appears on Minaj’s Pink Friday album. Drizzy was coy about just how the two will interact in the clip, but hinted that the pair will give fans an eye-popping spectacle. “I mean, it’s a fantasy video,” Drake explained. “So you’ve got a very regal environment, and you’ve got Nicki doing what she does — big outfits, big everything — and it’s a great video.” In some of the footage MTV News scored on the clip’s Los Angeles set, Minaj grandly enters a sprawling mansion in an aqua gown with diaphanous draping. Looking over a balcony, Drake observes the rap diva as he nurses a martini. The Thank Me Later lyricist stayed mum about the clip’s narrative, saying he wanted to preserve the surprise of the visual, which premieres Thursday (January 26) on MTV at 7:54 p.m. ET and will be followed by a live Q&A session with Minaj. “The twist of it, or the concept of it, I don’t wanna give it all away,” Drake demurred. As far as his performance in the video, Drake said that because of his close relationship with Minaj, being the hip-hop Barbie’s leading man comes naturally. “Yeah, I love that girl, man. I’m not gonna lie to you,” Drizzy smiled. “I love her, so it’s easy. It’s not hard to play romantic.” Don’t miss the premiere of Nicki Minaj ‘s “Moment 4 Life” video, featuring Drake, Thursday at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV, followed by a live interview with the Young Money femcee that will continue on MTV.com. If you have questions for Minaj, tweet them with the hashtag #asknicki or upload a video question to Your.MTV.com . Related Videos Nicki Minaj To Unveil ‘Moment 4 Life’ On MTV Related Artists Drake Nicki Minaj

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Cheryl Burke Opens Up About Childhood Molestation

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘They’re not secrets. There’s no shame,’ ‘Dancing With the Stars’ pro says about new book, ‘Lessons.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe Cheryl Burke Photo: Angela Weiss/ Getty Images She’s well-known as a “Dancing With the Stars” champ, but now Cheryl Burke is opening up about her struggles off the dance floor. The championship hoofer is speaking about her past sexual abuse at the hands of a family friend in her book “Dancing Lessons.” According to People magazine, Burke was molested by a retired mailman in her Bay Area neighborhood who would occasionally pick her up from school and handle odd jobs around the house and started to abuse her when she was 5. “I’m telling my story,” Burke told People. “They’re not secrets. There’s no shame.” Burke later testified against her abuser once revelations of possible assaults on other children surfaced and also spoke candidly of her ambivalence about taking the stand against him. “I felt guilty for wanting his love and affection,” she explained, adding that taking the stand was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done … I saw his face and lawyers were asking me these questions and I was like, ‘What am I doing? Did he even do anything wrong?’ ” Burke also opens up in the book about the physical abuse she endured from two different ex-boyfriends, and said, “If I can help just one person, for me that’s all that matters.” The revealing book , which is co-written by People senior writer Monica Rizzo, also focuses on her “Dancing” tenure and will include lessons she has learned from celebrity dance partners like Drew Lachey and Chad Ochocinco. “Lessons” will also touch on Burke’s issues with her weight and media scrutiny. After the release of her book in February, Burke is slated to return to the 12th season of “Dancing” in March.

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Jimmy Buffett ‘Doing Well’ After Sydney Concert Fall

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Website message says doctors expect singer to leave hospital soon. By Mawuse Ziegbe Jimmy Buffet Photo: Rick Diamond/ Getty Images Jimmy Buffett has been hospitalized after falling off the stage during a concert in Sydney on Wednesday night (January 26) local time. The singer took a spill while strumming “Lovely Cruise,” sustaining a head injury after tumbling off the stage mid-performance, according to the Daily Telegraph. Fans were forced to exit the Hordern Pavilion after the accident, and Buffett was rushed to St. Vincent Hospital about 30 minutes after the fall. The Margaritaville mogul was knocked unconscious, the Sydney Morning Herald reported . An audience member described the incident to the Telegraph : “We were in the 10th row, and it looked like he did a massive face-plant after his encore and pretty much didn’t get up,” concertgoer Dan Bateman said. “We were told to leave the premises. No one really wanted to leave because everyone was anxious to know if he survived the fall. Everyone was pretty horrified.” According to a message posted on Buffett’s website , the singer is recovering and is expected to leave the hospital soon. “As you probably already know, Jimmy had an accident while performing in Sydney last night and was taken to the hospital,” the statement says. “The doctors say he is doing well and will be released tomorrow. More info as we get it, and thank you for all of your well-wishes!” The set was one of Buffett’s first performances in Australia in two decades. Wednesday night’s show was a late addition after the singer capped off two sell-out dates at the Sydney Opera House. The event occurred on Australia Day, which commemorates the founding of the nation, and Buffett reportedly packed the set with tributes to the festive occasion. Share your get-well wishes for Jimmy Buffett in the comments! Related Artists Jimmy Buffett

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‘No Strings Attached’ Dangles Above Friday Box-Office Competition

Posted on January 22, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rom-com scores $7.3 million. By Mawuse Ziegbe Natalie Portman in “No Strings Attached” Photo: Cold Spring Pictures “No Strings Attached” broke away from the competition at the Friday box office. The romantic comedy about two pals who decide to test the bounds of their friendship by getting frisky in the bedroom, which stars Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Ludacris, kicked off the weekend with $7.3 million. “Strings” swatted “The Green Hornet” down to second place. The modern take on the old-school vigilante hero, starring Seth Rogen, scored $5.1 million. Friday’s haul nudges the flick’s total estimated tally to just over $50 million. “The Dilemma” took the third-place slot on Friday. Vince Vaughn and Kevin James’ latest laugh-getting enterprise, which revolves around a guy who struggles with whether he should let his best friend know that his seemingly perfect wife has been stepping out on him, rang up $3 million. The figure kicks the flick’s total estimated haul to $26.7 million. The historical drama “The King’s Speech” clenched the fourth-place spot. The Colin Firth vehicle added $2.14 million to its estimated $51 million haul. “True Grit” slid to the fifth spot after clenching the box-office crown in recent weeks. Featuring performances from Hollywood heavyweights like Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, the Western made $2.11 million, just behind “Speech.” The flick’s total estimated gross now stands at around $132 million. Just before “Strings” hit theaters, Portman spoke to MTV News about the film’s racy sex scenes, and dished that landing the perfect under-the-sheets moves needed some planning. “Some of the things were like, ‘What are we going to try today?’ And also, a lot of it gets choreographed because it’s like, ‘How are we going to get my hair thing out so that I don’t fall on it?’ or things like that where I’ll be like, ‘I can cover you there, and you can [cover me here],’ ” she said. “So it’s very strategic.” Check out everything we’ve got on “No Strings Attached,” “The Green Hornet” and “The Dilemma.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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‘No Strings Attached’ Dangles Above Friday Box-Office Competition

Posted on January 22, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rom-com scores $7.3 million. By Mawuse Ziegbe Natalie Portman in “No Strings Attached” Photo: Cold Spring Pictures “No Strings Attached” broke away from the competition at the Friday box office. The romantic comedy about two pals who decide to test the bounds of their friendship by getting frisky in the bedroom, which stars Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Ludacris, kicked off the weekend with $7.3 million. “Strings” swatted “The Green Hornet” down to second place. The modern take on the old-school vigilante hero, starring Seth Rogen, scored $5.1 million. Friday’s haul nudges the flick’s total estimated tally to just over $50 million. “The Dilemma” took the third-place slot on Friday. Vince Vaughn and Kevin James’ latest laugh-getting enterprise, which revolves around a guy who struggles with whether he should let his best friend know that his seemingly perfect wife has been stepping out on him, rang up $3 million. The figure kicks the flick’s total estimated haul to $26.7 million. The historical drama “The King’s Speech” clenched the fourth-place spot. The Colin Firth vehicle added $2.14 million to its estimated $51 million haul. “True Grit” slid to the fifth spot after clenching the box-office crown in recent weeks. Featuring performances from Hollywood heavyweights like Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, the Western made $2.11 million, just behind “Speech.” The flick’s total estimated gross now stands at around $132 million. Just before “Strings” hit theaters, Portman spoke to MTV News about the film’s racy sex scenes, and dished that landing the perfect under-the-sheets moves needed some planning. “Some of the things were like, ‘What are we going to try today?’ And also, a lot of it gets choreographed because it’s like, ‘How are we going to get my hair thing out so that I don’t fall on it?’ or things like that where I’ll be like, ‘I can cover you there, and you can [cover me here],’ ” she said. “So it’s very strategic.” Check out everything we’ve got on “No Strings Attached,” “The Green Hornet” and “The Dilemma.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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‘American Idol’ Hopeful Travis Orlando Impresses Judges

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

‘Idol’ premiere auditioner is a bespectacled Bronx native who’ll take his touching, hard-knock story to Hollywood. By Mawuse Ziegbe Travis Orlando auditions on “American Idol” Wednesday Photo: FOX Travis Orlando was the final New Jersey auditioner to face the three-judge panel on Wednesday night’s (January 19) “American Idol” premiere, and they clearly saved one of the best for last. Sporting a snug red T-shirt and skinny jeans, the slender, bespectacled Bronx native first won over judges with a tender rendition of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” in a delicately soulful voice that newbie judge Jennifer Lopez later called “pretty” and “sweet.” Clearly feeling the teen singer’s cover, Steven Tyler asked to hear more, and Orlando obliged with Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” which scored approving nods from judge Randy Jackson. However, despite his sugary vocals, Orlando entered the “Idol” judging session with a scrappy backstory. The 16-year-old took viewers on a tour of his rough Bronx neighborhood near the Grand Concourse thoroughfare, an area he described as being plagued with murder and crime, as he and some family members walked past a curbside shrine to a fallen neighbor. “You have robberies, you have killings — anything you can possibly imagine goes on here,” Orlando said. The teen crooner also spoke candidly about living in homeless shelters for a few years, when the tight-knit Orlando clan fell on hard times after their patriarch fell ill and they succumbed to the recession. Despite the adversity, Orlando said his twin brother, Timmy — who he admitted is nothing like him — supported him and told him to keep his head up and believe in his talent. So it was only fitting that not only was Orlando’s family waiting for him with Ryan Seacrest while he auditioned, but they bum-rushed the room with glee when the judges announced Orlando was headed to Hollywood. The final audition of the day took a heartfelt emotional turn as the twins embraced and fought back tears. As the last of the 51 West Coast-bound “Idol” crooners, Orlando said he wanted his story to inspire others to chase their dreams, regardless of the circumstances. The teen singer tearfully signed off by saying he wanted to “prove to other people that anyone can do this.” What did you think of “American Idol” on Wednesday? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Kim Kardashian Says Kanye West Encouraged Her To Sing

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

‘It’s just one song, and it’s just for fun,’ reality vixen says of The-Dream-produced project. By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Christina Garibaldi Kourtney and Kim Kardashian Photo: Devan Pratt/MTV News Even though she’s got Grammy-winning producer The-Dream in her corner and encouragement from hitmaking friends Kanye West and Ciara, Kim Kardashian isn’t swapping her gig as a professional vixen to be a full-time singer. The diva and Dash boutique co-owner has been tinkering in the studio with The-Dream on “Turn It Up,” a one-off track she said is just for kicks. But she told MTV News on Wednesday (January 19) that the project might not have happened without some prodding from Yeezy. ” ‘OK, I’m not a singer, this isn’t what I do. I have too much other stuff going on. Is this really something safe for me to do?’ ” Kim recalled thinking. “And Kanye was actually one of the people who really talked me into doing it and telling me, like, ‘Hey, look, what do you guys do for fun? You guys go shopping, you go to the movies. Kind of step into our world for a second and have fun, and we go to the studio,’ ” Kardashian explained of getting behind the mic. Although the song is a Dream-helmed enterprise, the curvy starlet said she and her sisters often take style cues from ‘Ye, and it was during one of the Louis Vuitton Don’s visits to their downtown NYC outpost that Kim and Kanye chopped it up about hitting the studio. “Kanye came to see the store and check out what we doing in New York City. He’s someone we look up to and just think as like, in the fashion world … someone that we’ve always just taken advice from,” Kim said. Her sister Kourtney chimed in, “He’s our muse.” “He wanted to come check out the store, and while at the store, I was really uncertain about the music thing,” Kim added. “I’m just doing it for fun, and The-Dream wrote and produced the song, and Ciara talked me into doing it and said I should meet with him.” Since the single is just for fun, Kim said she and The-Dream won’t be pocketing all the track’s profits. Some of the cash will go to a cause close to the producer and pinup. “Dream’s mother passed away of cancer and so did my dad, so half of the proceeds are going to a cancer organization,” she revealed. “It’s just one song, and it’s just for fun.” What do you think of Kim Kardashian’s “Turn It Up”? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos The Evolution Of: Kim Kardashian Related Artists Kanye West

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Afrojack Talks His Part In Chris Brown’s ‘Look At Me Now’

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

Dutch dance producer tells MTV News how he contributed to C. Breezy’s Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Diplo collabo. By Akshay Bhansali Afrojack in an MTV News Skype interview Photo: MTV News Afrojack already had reason to celebrate as he headed into the New Year. The Dutch dance-music producer’s pop-dance single “Take Over Control,” featuring singer Eva Simons, made the top 25 on Billboard ‘s Dance/Club Play Songs chart in December. And now his second U.S. release, packed with hip-hop heavy-hitters, seems primed for chart success. MTV News caught up with the EDM producer (born Nick van de Wall) for a skype chat last week, and he talked about his contribution to Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now,” the latest offering from the singer’s upcoming F.A.M.E. album. The track is a fast-rapping flurry of awesome self-indulgence courtesy of Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Chris, with an eerie downtempo beat cooked up by chefs Afrojack and Diplo. The pair of producers previously collaborated on “Pon De floor,” off Diplo’s Major Lazer full-length release, and according to Afrojack, “Look at Me Now” is the product of a beat he’d passed along to the Philadelphia beatsmith. “Yeah, Diplo called me,” Afrojack recalled. “He was like, ‘We are in the studio right now, and we are gonna do a track on the beat.’ And I was like, ‘OK, whatever. Have fun.’ ” Eventually, “Look at Me Now,” was born. While Afrojack sounded casual about the song’s evolution, he said he’s certainly pleased with the finished product. “I just love these kind of people on a track like this,” he said. “It’s like hip-hop, but really weird kind of hip-hop. “Busta’s verse on it is really sick,” he continued. “It’s like I can’t even hear what he said, but I love the part where he goes [ mimics Busta’s rapid flow ], and then pauses and goes rapping really quickly. And I don’t know how to do it, I don’t even try. But it was really, really cool.” So what’s next for Afrojack? Apart from working on a remix for Pitbull , he premiered a new single exclusively for MTV News that we will be sharing with you very soon. All you Afrojack fans stay tuned! What do you think of how Afrojack’s beat turned out on Chris’ song? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Afrojack

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Afrojack Talks His Part In Chris Brown’s ‘Look At Me Now’

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

Dutch dance producer tells MTV News how he contributed to C. Breezy’s Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Diplo collabo. By Akshay Bhansali Afrojack in an MTV News Skype interview Photo: MTV News Afrojack already had reason to celebrate as he headed into the New Year. The Dutch dance-music producer’s pop-dance single “Take Over Control,” featuring singer Eva Simons, made the top 25 on Billboard ‘s Dance/Club Play Songs chart in December. And now his second U.S. release, packed with hip-hop heavy-hitters, seems primed for chart success. MTV News caught up with the EDM producer (born Nick van de Wall) for a skype chat last week, and he talked about his contribution to Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now,” the latest offering from the singer’s upcoming F.A.M.E. album. The track is a fast-rapping flurry of awesome self-indulgence courtesy of Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Chris, with an eerie downtempo beat cooked up by chefs Afrojack and Diplo. The pair of producers previously collaborated on “Pon De floor,” off Diplo’s Major Lazer full-length release, and according to Afrojack, “Look at Me Now” is the product of a beat he’d passed along to the Philadelphia beatsmith. “Yeah, Diplo called me,” Afrojack recalled. “He was like, ‘We are in the studio right now, and we are gonna do a track on the beat.’ And I was like, ‘OK, whatever. Have fun.’ ” Eventually, “Look at Me Now,” was born. While Afrojack sounded casual about the song’s evolution, he said he’s certainly pleased with the finished product. “I just love these kind of people on a track like this,” he said. “It’s like hip-hop, but really weird kind of hip-hop. “Busta’s verse on it is really sick,” he continued. “It’s like I can’t even hear what he said, but I love the part where he goes [ mimics Busta’s rapid flow ], and then pauses and goes rapping really quickly. And I don’t know how to do it, I don’t even try. But it was really, really cool.” So what’s next for Afrojack? Apart from working on a remix for Pitbull , he premiered a new single exclusively for MTV News that we will be sharing with you very soon. All you Afrojack fans stay tuned! What do you think of how Afrojack’s beat turned out on Chris’ song? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Afrojack

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Adam Lambert Predicts Jennifer Lopez And Steven Tyler’s ‘Idol’ Style

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

‘American Idol’ alum says the superstars will bring amazing fashion to the new season. By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Damian Vaca Adam Lambert Photo: MTV News As the newly shaken-up “American Idol” debuts on Wednesday (January 19), fans are ready to weigh in on how spankin’ new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, will fare — and how they’ll look. MTV News recently caught up with “Idol” alum Adam Lambert at the season-three premiere of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in Los Angeles, and he mused that when it comes to fashion, both Lopez and Tyler will bring their A-list style game. “I’m sure they’re gonna be top-of-the-notch. Steven Tyler, I mean, he’s a legend. And J. Lo has always been beautiful. I remember when I was a kid graduating high school and ‘Waiting for Tonight’ came out. Remember that video? And she had all the rhinestones on her face and she just looked like just dewy and stunning and amazing,” Lambert said. “I’m really looking forward to [seeing their fashion] too.” While MTV News’ “Idol” expert Jim Cantiello is set to host the live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon” right after “Idol” airs, at 10 p.m. ET Wednesday (January 19) on MTV.com, Lambert shied away from comparing the two music pros’ judging style. He maintained that the duo aren’t likely to duke it out for top-judge honors. The season-eight runner-up said Lopez and Tyler are approaching the competition from different vantage points, and pitting their judging styles against each other is probably a futile “Idol” fan exercise. “They’re birds of a different feather, but they’re gonna flock together,” he said. Even though Lambert has more “Idol” experience than the newbie judges, he didn’t have any advice to offer Lopez or Tyler as they take their seats on live television for the first time. In fact, he insisted he’d welcome pointers from the superstar critics anytime. “I want advice from them,” Lambert smiled. “I will not give Steven Tyler or J. Lo any advice. That’s not my place.” Are you looking forward to the “American Idol” premiere? Let us know in the comments! 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 this Wednesday 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 Artists Adam Lambert Steven Tyler Jennifer Lopez

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