While Christina Aguilera made like The King of Pop at the Michael Forever tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales last night, former American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson did not attend the event – and her absence is raising a few questions this morning. According to a Hudson Tweet on Saturday afternoon, she said “major production issues” would prevent her from performing, while a rep for the artist tells TMZ producers were made aware ahead of time and “completely understood.” However, other sources tell the site the complete opposite. They claim Hudson shocked organizers by her no-show and, to make matters worse/more controversial, she was paid in full ahead of time for the gig. Those who did play a role in the tribute, meanwhile, included Ne-Yo, LaToya Jackson, Leona Lewis, Cee Lo Green, Gladys Knight, Beyonce (via satellite) and Jamie Foxx, who served as host. [Photo: WENN.com]
The Michael Jackson Tribute concert just took off… and we could not help but notice how miserable little Blanket looks on the stage. Pop the top to see Michael’s kids introduce afro wearing Beyonce
Roger Williams, a virtuoso pianist who topped the Billboard pop chart in the 1950s and played for nine U.S. presidents during a long career, passed away Saturday. He was 87. The electrifying stage performer and an adept improviser died at home in Los Angeles of complications from pancreatic cancer, according to reports. Williams’ 1955 hit “Autumn Leaves” is the only piano instrumental to reach No. 1 on the Billboard pop charts and remains the best-selling piano record of all time. Nicknamed the “pianist to the presidents,” Williams played for every commander in chief from Harry Truman to George W. Bush. He was a close friend to several. Williams was close friends with Jimmy Carter, with whom he shared a birthday. When the two men turned 80, Mr. Williams played at the Jimmy Carter Library. As a teenager, Williams had already scored his own 15-minute radio show on KRNT, broadcast live from a Des Moines, Iowa (his hometown), department store. Later he hosted a program on WHO, where he met a young sports announcer named Ronald “Dutch” Reagan. The two became friends – for over six decades. Williams moved to New York to study jazz at the Juilliard School of Music. He is credited with at least 22 hit singles from 37 commercially successful albums. He is not to be confused for the 17th Century English theologian for whom a Rhode Island university is named, or for JWoww’s huge boyfriend Roger Williams .
Christina Aguilera sang some classic Jackson tunes before a capacity crowd at the Michael Forever tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday evening. The 30-year-old singer was one of a handful of celebrities who paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson , including Cee Lo Green, Ne-Yo, and Leona Lewis. A pregnant Beyonce performed via video, while Jennifer Hudson reportedly bailed at the last minute.
Who doesnt know this song back in 1994 deserves a good smack, lol. Jokes. This is one of Mariah’s timeless classics, from the album Merry Christmas. I seriously love this one. This song is covered by many other artists, including michael buble, justin bieber, shania twain and miley cyrus. And remixed in a few occasions as well http://www.youtube.com/v/qoyE26gnM4A?version=3&f=videos&app=youtube_gdata Continue reading here: All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey Justin Bieber (Mistletoe) Michael Buble
Yesterday had Conrad Murray’s parade of floozies coming to testify on his behalf and one baby momma must have got called in during her lunch break at the coochie dealership. Besides looking half-naked, Nicole Alvarez talked about how she had no clue what those boxes of meds Murray receive , and how they were a mystery to her. She says she never checked the boxes and didn’t ask what they were. Hmmm… Alvarez, who had given birth to Murray’s son in March 2009, recalled the doctor telling her that he was Jackson’s private physician. The 29-year-old actress said she found it exciting. “It was Michael Jackson!” she exulted when she recounted meeting the star. She said Murray surprised her, telling her he was taking her to meet someone and then they arrived at Jackson’s home. “I was speechless,” Alvarez said. “I couldn’t believe I was meeting Michael Jackson.” And she probably couldn’t believe her baby daddy would k-…never mind.
The 10 songs she’s written so far are ‘sad, if I’m being honest,’ she tells The New Yorker. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Swift Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images It’s been almost a year since Taylor Swift released the chart-topping Speak Now, which included the hits “Mine” and “Back to December.” Fans won’t have to wait much longer for the next country-crossover hits: Swift’s next album is due sometime in 2012. During an interview with The New Yorker, Swift said she recently decided that life is “about achieving contentment … you’re not always going to be ridiculously happy” — and that newly discovered viewpoint is leaking into her new music. Throughout her career, we’ve seen Swift grow from a wide-eyed girl who sings about puppy love to a been-there, done-that young woman who understands heartbreak. Her new songs certainly fit into the progression. “They’re sad, if I’m being honest,” she said of the 10 songs she’s written so far, adding that a recent track she wrote “is about moving on.” Of her abilities as a vocalist, Swift said singing is really just the vehicle to get her ideas out into the world. “I write songs, and my voice is just a way to get those lyrics across,” she said. In an interview with MTV News earlier this year, Swift said her ability to express her feelings in song has grown nearly as much as she has as a person. “I think retrospect will tell a lot. Years from now, I’ll look back and go, ‘I didn’t know anything then,’ ” she said. “I had this song called ‘Picture to Burn’ that’s talking about how ‘I hate your truck’ and ‘I hate that you ignored me,’ ‘I hate you,’ ” she explained. “Now, the way that I would say that and the way that I would feel that kind of pain is a lot different.” Until Swift does put out new music, her fans can look forward to a concert album and DVD special called “Speak Now World Tour – Live,” dropping November 21. It will include live versions of tracks like “Mine,” “Story of Us,” “Mean” and Back to December.” What are you expecting from Taylor Swift’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV First: Taylor Swift Related Artists Taylor Swift
Aside from his God Forgives, I Don’t, the Bawse also teases upcoming Maybach Music Group compilation. By Rob Markman Rick Ross Photo: MTV News DJ Khaled already said Rick Ross ‘ upcoming album God Forgives, I Don’t is a classic-in-the-making, and Drake compared it to the Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die. Quite frankly, the Bawse is humbled. “Me making my album is just a real tedious process that I go through,” Rozay told MTV News while on the black carpet for the taping of the October 11 BET Hip Hop Awards . “The response from the people that I did play a few records for, the feedback is incredible.” While Ross has been tight-lipped about what he has planned for his fifth solo album, he did speak a bit on his upcoming collaboration with Mary J. Blige. “That’s the Queen. I can just tell you about the experience,” he said. “We actually worked in Michael Jackson’s L.A. studio and we made some magic.” Mary J. Blige also spoke of the experience with XXL in September, clarifying that the two actually recorded in the last studio the King of Pop ever recorded in. “It’s a private studio that one of our friends, he was really close to Michael Jackson, he let us use it,” Mary said. “It’s actually Marvin Gaye’s studio. It [has] murals of Michael Jackson all over the [walls] and Marvin Gaye. That was the last place [Michael] actually worked at before he passed. It’s such a good vibe.” Ross wouldn’t give concrete confirmation, but said his MJB track could possibly be a single. The untitled track has definitely impressed the Yonkers, New York, singer. “Rick is fly. He picks the best beats, man,” Blige told XXL. “That guy is amazing with that.” Like a good boss, Ross isn’t just focused on his solo work; he has plans for his signed artists as well. He revealed to MTV News that he plans to drop a sequel to his Maybach Music Group compilation before the year’s end. “Look for that Self Made 2 ; that’ll be coming later this year,” he teased of the album that will feature Meek Mill, Wale, Pill, Stalley and Ross himself. “Of course that God Forgives, I Don’t as well as Ambition, Wale’s [solo] album. Just support MMG. We grinding.” What are you expecting from Ross’ next album? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Rick Ross
Nancy Grace had dinner at The Ivy last night and on the way out talked about the alleged “Wardrobe Malfunction” on Monday night’s Dancing with the Stars. She also shares that she feels Dr. Conrad Murray will do jail time for his role in the death of Michael Jackson.
Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler are reportedly reconciling. The pair is “working it out,” a source told People Tuesday. “They’re not officially engaged again but they’re definitely talking and figuring things out.” The former Hills star and Chicago Bears QB – who got engaged in April after just seven months of dating – abruptly called off their engagement in July. This should help Jay soften the blow of the Bears’ 1-2 start. Kristin Cavallari was “dumped,” “absolutely devastated” and “in shock” over how the dream wedding she was planning for the spring of 2012 ended. While their previous relationship had moved too quickly, according to sources, the couple will be taking a different approach to dating this time around. “Everything happened much too fast when they first got together. So this time they’re just taking things slow,” the source said. “They’re talking a lot.” So much for the rumor of her dating Mark Ballas . Those two do have good chemistry … on Dancing With the Stars . Here’s their routine last night: Kristin Cavallari on Dancing With the Stars (Week 2)
