Bradley Cooper, 36, is back in L.A. after promoting his new thriller Limitless in Europe, and the source says the actor plans to spend time with Jennifer Aniston, 42. Adds the source: “They have a lot in common.” Is it more than a friendly connection? A month after splitting with Renée Zellweger, Bradley Cooper is getting back in touch with Jennifer Aniston. “In the past few weeks, they have stayed in contact,” a source tells us. The two were first linked in 2009, when they stepped out for
‘Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale’ airs Sunday at 9 p.m. on MTV. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway Britney Spears in the studio Photo: MTV News & Docs Like most artists, Britney Spears has certain rituals when she hits the recording studio. And when she was putting down the tracks that made the cut for her latest release, the dance-floor-friendly Femme Fatale , Spears reveals what she needed to get into the mood. “I love vanilla candles … and I love my tea,” she explains in “Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale.” “My assistant always has some hot tea, little things like that just to make me feel at ease and comfortable, just girly things.” In the special, Spears is filmed getting some of that beloved tea with her assistant, and later she hits the studio with “Big Fat Bass” producer will.i.am, who shows her the final cut of the booming track. “I did some tweaking to the ‘Big Fat Bass’: The bass is even bigger,” he tells her as she dances along to the song, which eventually is featured in her live show at Rain Nightclub at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The special is a mixture of behind-the-scenes footage of the singer as she wraps up production on her album, which dropped this week, as well as an inside look at her life and fans. In addition, those who couldn’t make Spears’ recent Vegas show will get to see her as she takes the stage in her latest pop incarnation. Don’t miss “Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale,” airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos Exclusive Preview Clips Of ‘Britney Spears: I Am The Femme Fatale’ Related Artists Britney Spears
Embattled pop star visited MTV News offices days before F.A.M.E. ‘s release — and ‘GMA’ outburst. By Rebecca Thomas Chris Brown Photo: MTV News Chris Brown glided into the MTV newsroom dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, his crown of kinky blond coils peeking out from underneath a navy-blue Billionaire Boys Club beanie. If not for the bodyguard, handlers and handful of pals trailing him, he might be indistinguishable from any other tatted 21-year-old fresh from sinking 3-pointers on the court. It was an unseasonably warm (74 degrees in March!) Friday in New York City, and with fewer than five days to go until his fourth album, F.A.M.E., dropped, Brown had gone into a full-court promotional press for the disc, tweeting regular updates to his #TeamBreezy faithful and spreading his pre-album jubilation. After spending the last year largely self-propelling mixtape singles “Deuces” and “No BS” to stunning chart success, he again had the full support of his label and was eager to talk about the disc. “A lot of the songs, people don’t realize the mixtape songs, they’re on [ F.A.M.E. ], but the mixtape songs were out almost a year before they actually went to radio. So it was a blessing for people to actually see those records a year later and kinda be like, ‘Oh, I love that record,’ ” he told MTV News. “So it was great.” In fact, he seemed game to chat with us about just about anything, even offering a “winning” perspective on the NSFW photo of him that shook the Net . And although the mood was celebratory, and Chris was at turns goofy and playful, his history has a way of looming over the proceedings. We never mentioned her by name, but ex-girlfriend Rihanna and the 2009 assault that sent Brown’s pop-star career spiraling remained a part of the interview subtext, if only because he seemed finally to have dulled the taint of that incident. “The ‘forgiving all my enemies’ is basically for the naysayers,” Brown told us, explaining the acronym of F.A.M.E. “The ones that maybe have looked past Chris Brown like, ‘Oh, whatever.’ And maybe this is the opportunity for them to maybe find a song off the album that inspires them … so I think this album in itself is not just about me, it’s about anybody who wants to be inspired by music or just be positive.” If Brown seemed to be singing a catchy new tune last Friday, by Tuesday morning, he was hitting all the wrong notes. During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” questions about the Rihanna assault reportedly drove Brown into an offstage, chair-tossing fit. And like that, experts and fans were weighing in on whether the Virginia crooner could still make a comeback . With the focus on what’s perceived to be Brown’s short fuse, the attention seems to be off his project, an eclectic collection that finds him further exploring electronic dance music territory, spitting with hip-hop titans and upstarts and even paying tribute to Michael Jackson with a song sampling his idol’s classic “Human Nature.” Chris had so many songs, he revealed to us, that he and the label agreed, “depending on the progress of all my singles,” that he would deliver another full-length disc in six months. “On my mixtapes, I was putting 18 and 19 songs, so just imagine how many songs I was saving for my album; I had at least 70 to 80 records. I was like, ‘How am I really gonna put this out?’ So then I was talking about a double disc … and then, you know, the label and everybody, they put their input in and they were like, ‘Nooo, that’s not gonna happen,’ ” he laughed. “I have so many records that I’m just waiting to put out. Just trying to look [to] the future and have it prepared.” The long-term fallout from the “GMA” episode remains unclear, but Brown is making one thing crystal: He wants the music front and center. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Chris Brown
‘I’m hurting,’ Warren tells MTV News after raucous SXSW tribute to late friend. By James Montgomery Kurupt and Warren G Photo: MTV News On Saturday night at South by Southwest, Warren G , Daz, Kurupt and Snoop Dogg paid homage to their late friend Nate Dogg with a raucous tribute show that celebrated the music of a man who lived every day to the fullest. And while the mood onstage was definitely joyous — the quartet performed many of the songs Nate leant his voice to, in a poignant tribute to his talents — backstage at Austin’s Venue 222, things were much more muted. In fact, when Warren G spoke to MTV News about his late cohort, he didn’t hide the fact that he (and everyone who ever knew Nate Dogg) was still hurting inside. In fact, starting with the moment he heard the news of Nate’s passing, things have been far from normal. “I was out on the Sweat Tour with Snoop, and we had got the word from his family on what was going on, and it was just a crushing blow for us,” Warren said. “Just, from going to see him and lifting his spirits up when he was in therapy, and stuff like that, it’s just crazy for that to happen. And I still don’t believe it, you know what I’m saying? “It kind of hurts me when I look at this shirt [the organizers of the SXSW tribute show sold Nate Dogg T-shirts, with proceeds going to the late singer’s family], it’s like, ‘Damn, that’s my homeboy on this shirt,’ ” he continued. “And I’m hurting, and you know, a lot of people are showing tons of support for his family, for his homeboys, and we really and truly appreciate that. It’s real love.” And though they took the stage that night with a heavy heart, Warren and his cohorts also did it knowing that their friend was with them in spirit, and that by honoring his music, they were also honoring a man they all knew and loved. “It means a lot, you know, because this is something that’s being done for a person that we really love. It’s deeper than music, that’s a brother to us, to me and Kurupt and Snoop and Daz … it’s really deeper than that,” he said. “I mean, like, I’m not a psychic or a genie or a gypsy or anything, but I know deep down in my heart he’s around us, he’s with us … he’s with us in spirit. Everything we do, he’s a part of it.” Related Photos 2011 SXSW Music Festival Nate Dogg: A Life In Photos Related Artists Nate Dogg Warren G
I was kind of in the mood for some staged pictures of a blonde tart this afternoon so these pictures of Karissa Shannon in her little yellow bikini showed up at just the right time. As annoying as it is that she always sets these pictures up with the help of her douche boyfriend, she’s still showing off her ass in a bikini so who really gives a crap. Not to mention that her Playboy body is pretty damn impressive. Thanks princess.
I was kind of in the mood for some staged pictures of a blonde tart this afternoon so these pictures of Karissa Shannon in her little yellow bikini showed up at just the right time. As annoying as it is that she always sets these pictures up with the help of her douche boyfriend, she’s still showing off her ass in a bikini so who really gives a crap. Not to mention that her Playboy body is pretty damn impressive. Thanks princess.
Judge Steven Tyler tells singer’s family to ‘be proud’ after emotional performance. By Adam Graham Jacob Lusk on “American Idol” on February 17, 2011 Photo: FOX Where has “American Idol” been hiding Jacob Lusk? The 23-year-old spa concierge from Compton, California, who had barely been seen prior to Thursday’s (February 17) episode, stepped out in a big way during the final Hollywood Week show , flooring the judges and his fellow contestants with one of the most stunning, stirring auditions ever seen on the “Idol” stage. Lusk, dressed in a pair of blue jeans and an untucked tuxedo shirt, hit the stage and gave a wildly original take on Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child” that had him flexing his range from deep lows to high highs, and scatting between the lyrics. His expressive face contoured around each of the words, as he clenched his eyes tightly and flexed his eyebrows to give emphasis to each of his lines. Jennifer Lopez looked puzzled by his unorthodox delivery at first, but it wasn’t long before all three judges were screaming in amazement, with Steven Tyler leaning back in his seat and getting Randy Jackson’s attention with a huge, “Woooooo-hoooooo!” Soon Lopez was whooping too, and all three judges — and a handful of Lusk’s fellow contestants — were on their feet in the auditorium. As Lusk wrapped up, Tyler turned to Lusk’s family in the audience and yelled, “Be proud!” Lusk jumped up and down onstage after seeing his peers’ and the judges’ reactions and blew a kiss to the crowd before quickly darting out of the room. Outside, he was greeted by Ryan Seacrest and members of his family, and Lusk appeared physically and emotionally spent. He fell into his family members’ arms and wailed with tears, before catching himself and explaining, “I’m not a cryer, I don’t cry.” Said Seacrest, “Coulda fooled me.” After the auditions, contestants were quarantined in four separate rooms as they awaited their fate from the judges. But it had to be a comfort for everyone in Lusk’s room to know they were grouped with the man who just brought down the house onstage like few had before him, and sure enough, when it came time to deliver the news, they all graduated through to the next round. What did you think of Jacob Lusk? 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. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 10: Hollywood Week
Plus: Sammi’s exit, Deena’s cake fight and more top moments. By Jim Cantiello Snooki and Gianni on Thursday’s episode of “Jersey Shore” Photo: MTV Elaborate pranks! Mystery panties! And Ronnie’s sad that he verbally abused his girlfriend! Check out the video below for my five favorite moments from this week’s ” Jersey Shore .” 5. Cake Boss The aftermath of Sammi and Ronnie’s blowup is still being felt. But Deena knows how to cheer everyone up! “I miss Sammi,” Deena says. “Everyone’s in a f—in’ mood, and Ronnie’s just, like, toxic. We decide, ‘Yo, let’s throw cake in Vinny’s hair!’ ” That’s how Deena lightens the mood? Remind me never to go to a Cortese family funeral. 4. Prank War The cake in the face led to an all-out prank war, with Vinny prepping some water balloons for revenge. “You do not prank me,” Vinny says. “I have brains. You could put Deena’s and Nicole’s brains together and their brain still wouldn’t equal mine.” Then, Vinny proceeds to drop his water balloon on the floor. “What happened?” Pauly D asks. “Ya just got yourself?” Vinny went to law school, you guys. I just thought I should bring that up. 3. Sammi Goes Home Sammi may have escaped Ronnie’s wrath, but she didn’t escape MTV cameras, which followed her back home to catch a heart-to-heart with her mom about the destructive relationship. So in this episode, we had serious scenes that addressed abuse surrounded by silly scenes about dirty panties and constipation. Since when did Tyler Perry start directing this show? 2. Cab’s Here! You’re just going to have to check out the embedded video for Pauly D ‘s best “cab’s here” moment ever. Trust us. 1. What’s Your Name? Snooki got it in with that dude who had that uncle who c—blocked Vinny. His name escapes me. What was it — Mario? Giovanni? Esperanza Spalding? Snooki: “I haven’t gotten it in in like four months, and the fact that I have a boy who wants to get it in? Please, let me live!” Gianni: “Say my name.” Snooki: “…” Gianni: “Oh my God!” Snooki: “No, I know it!” Gianni: “No you don’t.” Snooki: “No, I swear.” Snooki [in the confessional]: “I have no idea what this kid’s name is, so I might as well just give him an ugly name.” Gianni: “What is it then?” Snooki: “Bernard.” Gianni: “Oh my God!” And they hook up anyway. Gianni, your name is no longer relevant. What was your favorite “Jersey Shore” moment this week? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Jersey Shore,” airing Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos ‘Jersey Shore’ High Five Highlights
Plus: Sammi’s exit, Deena’s cake fight and more top moments. By Jim Cantiello Snooki and Gianni on Thursday’s episode of “Jersey Shore” Photo: MTV Elaborate pranks! Mystery panties! And Ronnie’s sad that he verbally abused his girlfriend! Check out the video below for my five favorite moments from this week’s ” Jersey Shore .” 5. Cake Boss The aftermath of Sammi and Ronnie’s blowup is still being felt. But Deena knows how to cheer everyone up! “I miss Sammi,” Deena says. “Everyone’s in a f—in’ mood, and Ronnie’s just, like, toxic. We decide, ‘Yo, let’s throw cake in Vinny’s hair!’ ” That’s how Deena lightens the mood? Remind me never to go to a Cortese family funeral. 4. Prank War The cake in the face led to an all-out prank war, with Vinny prepping some water balloons for revenge. “You do not prank me,” Vinny says. “I have brains. You could put Deena’s and Nicole’s brains together and their brain still wouldn’t equal mine.” Then, Vinny proceeds to drop his water balloon on the floor. “What happened?” Pauly D asks. “Ya just got yourself?” Vinny went to law school, you guys. I just thought I should bring that up. 3. Sammi Goes Home Sammi may have escaped Ronnie’s wrath, but she didn’t escape MTV cameras, which followed her back home to catch a heart-to-heart with her mom about the destructive relationship. So in this episode, we had serious scenes that addressed abuse surrounded by silly scenes about dirty panties and constipation. Since when did Tyler Perry start directing this show? 2. Cab’s Here! You’re just going to have to check out the embedded video for Pauly D ‘s best “cab’s here” moment ever. Trust us. 1. What’s Your Name? Snooki got it in with that dude who had that uncle who c—blocked Vinny. His name escapes me. What was it — Mario? Giovanni? Esperanza Spalding? Snooki: “I haven’t gotten it in in like four months, and the fact that I have a boy who wants to get it in? Please, let me live!” Gianni: “Say my name.” Snooki: “…” Gianni: “Oh my God!” Snooki: “No, I know it!” Gianni: “No you don’t.” Snooki: “No, I swear.” Snooki [in the confessional]: “I have no idea what this kid’s name is, so I might as well just give him an ugly name.” Gianni: “What is it then?” Snooki: “Bernard.” Gianni: “Oh my God!” And they hook up anyway. Gianni, your name is no longer relevant. What was your favorite “Jersey Shore” moment this week? Let us know in the comments! Don’t miss “Jersey Shore,” airing Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on MTV. Related Videos ‘Jersey Shore’ High Five Highlights
Sam got his Bieber on, but the wrestler-turned-diva saved the episode. By Jim Cantiello Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch and Jayma Mays in “Glee” Photo: FOX As the love triangle/quadrangle/pentagram plot continued on this week’s “Glee,” it was up to Justin Bieber and Lauren Zizes to lighten the mood. Anyway, while we bide our time until the return of Blaine and Kurt, it’s time for a little Aural Intensity of our own. Sing along! Sue fakes suicidal so that she gets what she wants: A spot in the glee club allows her to taunt. She pits diva against diva, they sing a song for lesbians, But we found out what makes Sue break down and it’s cancer patients Singing out of tune. Oh, oh, I’m scratching my head. Don’t know what’s on my TV set. Oh, oh thank God for Lauren Zizes savin’ this whole ep. She knows what boys like … Sam thinks Justin’s got some swag, so he imitates the Biebs, A blond Bieber experience, with bonus puberty. The girls all melt and the boys want in, so now add three. Finn’s all, “Hell no! Songs for 12 year-olds are not for me!” (Nor for Grammy voters.) Oh, oh, Quinn rejects him. Oh, oh, Finn leads Rachel on. Oh, they’re switching partners More than the Situation. Better get some STD tests up in McKinley High. Santana as a mistress, Brittany as a fashion icon, Things get so damn dreadful when Kurt and Blaine are gone. But next week looks so epic, spin the bottle will be fun. Until then I’m out of rhymes, so this “Glee”-cap is done! Related Videos Musical ‘Glee-Caps’ Of Season Two
