Brown honors ex-wife at Connecticut show hours after seating spat at New Jersey funeral. By Ralphie Aversa Bobby Brown performs at the Mohegan Sun arena on Saturday Photo: Marc Andrew Deley/Getty Images MONTVILLE, CONNECTICUT —
Grammy winner graces the March cover and tells the magazine that she’s ‘never writing a breakup record again.’ By Jocelyn Vena Adele Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic Shortly after winning six Grammy Awards on Sunday (February 12) night, Adele told reporters in the press room that “it hasn’t really sunk in,” and in a just released interview and cover story with Vogue (which had been rumored late last year), she opened up about her pre-Grammys nerves and her hope that she would take home some Grammy gold for her chart-topping, record-breaking 21 . “I burst into tears when I found out,” she told the magazine about her nominations. “And I would love, absolutely love, to win. This record is coming to an end, and that would be the final brick on it.” (She eventually went on to sweep the show, winning the night’s big prizes, Record of the Year and Album of the Year.) On Sunday, she triumphantly returned to the stage to characteristically belt out her star-making breakup track, “Rolling in the Deep.” And when she spoke to Vogue in late 2011 for the interview, she already knew that was the song she wanted to return with. “I’m definitely going to be singing ‘Rolling in the Deep,’ ” she teased. “Because that’s been the biggest hit off the record in America. But I’m going to mix up a little bit — do a bit of a Beyonc
Memorial Keepsakes and M. J. Edwards Funeral Home, the New Jersey funeral home entrusted with the final arrangements of Whitney Houston , have released an obituary honoring the life of our favorite “Jersey Girl.” Services for Houston, who died Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA the night before the Grammy Awards, will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston sang as a child. The services will be carried on television and streamed online. Her eulogy will be given by gospel singer Marvin Winans . Her godmother Aretha Franklin will sing. Clive Davis and Kevin Costner will also speak at the funeral. RELATED: Chaka Khan Questions Why Pre-Grammy Party Was Held After Whitney Houston’s Death [VIDEO] Bobby Brown Dismisses Reports He’s Unwelcome At Whitney Funeral, Says Daughter Is “Doing Better” Aretha Franklin Sings Tribute For Goddaughter Whitney Houston [VIDEO] Whitney Houston Private Funeral Set For Saturday In New Jersey Celebrity Atlantans Remember Former ATL Resident Whitney Houston Whitney Houston May Have Died From Combination Of Xanax & Alcohol [REPORT] Jennifer Hudson Sings Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” At Grammys [VIDEO] New Edition On Whitney Houston’s Death: “We Are Shocked And Saddened” Bobby Declares Love For Whitney On Stage [VIDEO]
Just a couple days after the official music video for “Safe and Sound” hit the Internet, the full track listing for The Hunger Games soundtrack has been released. Who will join Taylor Swift on the album, which will be available for purchase on March 20? What songs, as teased above, are “from District 12 and beyond?” Check out the compilation below: “Safe & Sound” (feat. The Civil Wars) by Taylor Swift “Eyes Wide Open” by Taylor Swift “Abraham’s Daughter” by Arcade Fire “The Ruler & The Killer” by Kid Cudi “Run Daddy Run” (feat. Pistol Annies) by Miranda Lambert “Kingdom Come” by The Civil Wars “One Engine” by The Decemberists “Take The Heartland” by Glen Hansard “Lover Is Childlike” by The Low Anthem “Dark Days” by Punch Brothers “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder” by The Secret Sisters “Just a Game” by Birdy “Oh Come & Sing” by Ella Mae Bowen “Rules” by Jayme Dee “Reaping Day” by Carolina Chocolate Drops “Give Me Something I’ll Remember” by Neko Case As you anticipate this CD, relive The Hunger Games trailer now and get psyched for the March 23 release of this blockbuster.
Former University of Virginia lacrosse teammates of George Huguely V testified against him as the prosecution wrapped its case in his murder trial this week. Meanwhile, the defense brought its first witness , a doctor who said Yeardley Love, his fellow lacrosse player ex, died of suffocation, not blunt force trauma. Jan Leestma, a neuropathologist, contradicted the prosecution’s medical witnesses, saying he saw swelling on Love’s brain but no sign of blunt force trauma. “I could not conclude it is trauma,” he said. Instead, he suggested, she suffocated on a bloody pillow. The lack of oxygen to her brain likely caused the swelling, he claimed. Moreover, the rush of blood during resuscitation attempts caused the bruising. The prosecution argues that George Huguely murdered Yeardley Love in a May 2010 incident in which he shook her violently until her head banged a wall. The defense says it was a tragic accident, and that Huguely’s actions did not directly kill Love, his on-and-off girlfriend at the University of Virginia. One of the final witnesses for the prosecution, Ken Clausen, a former lacrosse teammate of Huguely’s, testified Wednesday that Huguely had lied about where he had been when he returned home from Love’s apartment the night in question. Clausen said that George Huguely’s demeanor had changed and that he was so drunk he wasn’t making any sense, Thursday’s Today show reports. Clausen said Huguely, now 24, claimed he had been downstairs in an apartment with two other teammates. But Clausen later discovered that wasn’t true. Other teammates also testified that Huguely had been drinking heavily all day, and that he had a blank stare on his face when he returned that night.
Legendary MC teams up with Kanye West for landmark Watch the Throne album and a spot on Hottest MCs in the Game list. By MTV News staff Jay-Z Photo: Getty Images Jay-Z ‘s legacy in rap is unparalleled. Hov probably best summed up his career on 2003’s “What More Can I Say” when he spit, “There’s never been a n—a this good for this long/ This ‘hood or this pop, this hot or this strong.” But were the God MC’s past accomplishments enough to rest on in 2011? Over the past year he continued to raise the bar, teaming up with “little brother” Kanye West to drop the groundbreaking Watch the Throne album and earning himself the #6 spot on MTV News’ Hottest MCs in the Game VII list. “If you talk about the Throne, yeah, top five, no question. But Jay himself? From January to August, what was going on?” asked Rahman Dukes, MTV News’ director of hip-hop news, pointing out Jigga’s inactivity apart from WTT. “Kanye was moving.” Want to join the debate? Just hit us on Twitter using the hashtag #HottestMC! Indeed, Yeezy was rolling creatively after the November 2010 release of his critically acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, while Jay hadn’t dropped a solo effort since 2009, when his triumphant Blueprint III made him our #1 Hottest MC . When it came to recognizing Jay for the recent success of the Throne, however, many members of the Hip-Hop Brain Trust argued that much of the credit should go to Kanye, not Jigga. HOT STREAK Album: Watch the Throne with Kanye West as the Throne Selected Mixtapes: None Singles: “H.A.M,” “Otis” and “N—as in Paris” (as the Throne); “Glory” (featuring B.I.C.) Street Bangers: “No Church in the Wild” (as the Throne) Key Guest Appearances: Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk,” J. Cole’s “Nice Watch” and Young Jeezy’s “I Do” Meteoric Metrics: Captured another #1 with now-platinum Watch the Throne, scored a #1 Rap hit with “N—as in Paris” and topped Forbes’ Hip-Hop’s Top Earners list Business Ventures: New Jersey Nets minority owner broke ground on Brooklyn’s Barclay Center arena, where he plans to move the NBA team Tours: Grossed more than $448 million on the Watch the Throne Tour, played two dates at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall Monumental Moment: Hov and Yeezy did what no superstar rapper in recent memory has been able to do: kept their album from leaking and thus created a moment Forecast: Jay’s no stranger to the “Hottest MCs in the Game” list. It’s a safe bet that Hov will be back next year if he releases his planned solo album and the WTT follow-up. “You can’t divorce [the album] from Kanye. It really feels like Jay rode shotgun on it,” said Rebecca Thomas, an editor/writer at MTV News. “That project has Kanye’s footprints and handprints all over it.” The truth is, outside of WTT, Hov didn’t do the kinds of things that help an MC bolster his stats. Instead, the rap mogul was focused on his many business ventures — from his Brooklyn-bound Nets to re-launching the 40/40 Club in New York. Although few could argue that when he released “Glory,” days after the birth of daughter Blue Ivy Carter, he created quite the musical moment. And it was hard to ignore the impact and cultural significance of Watch the Throne, even if Jay’s contribution was collaborative, not solo. Bypassing a traditional album rollout, the Throne serviced only two records to radio prior to their LP release: “H.A.M.” and “Otis.” They also went with a digital-only release initially, electing to postpone sending physical copies of WTT to stores until four days later. The pair placed a premium on their music — and it paid off. They avoided an album leak , a near impossibility in the digital era. When the joint LP was finally released on August 8, it seemed as if the entire hip-hop community was listening at the same time, dissecting it on Twitter and spawning multiple trending topics. It hit #1 on iTunes in 23 different countries a day later. “At the end of the day, that album is an ‘event album.’ You’re never going to get an album like that ever again,” said Yomi Desalu, MTV’s senior director of music and talent. When first-week sales were tallied, the Throne had sold 436,000 copies and landed at #1 on the Billboard 200. The album’s third single (second, if you don’t count bonus track “H.A.M.”) proved to be its biggest. “N—as in Paris” not only topped Billboard ‘s Rap chart, it became a quick fan favorite that prompted the Throne to perform the track multiple times at each stop on their tour. So when it comes to the “Hottest MCs” criteria, Hov largely hits the major points. He has proven his impact on the game is enduring and maintained a buzz in the streets, even if he didn’t make as much noise in early 2011. Jigga was a lock in the sales department and, at 42 years old, he remains among rap’s top lyricists. On “Otis,” he reminded fans who invented swag, so style wasn’t a problem, and Jay had enough side hustles that you could write a book about them. (Seriously, you could: check Zack O’Malley’s “Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office.”) Perhaps a solo LP would’ve given Jay that extra push. Makes us wonder what might go down on Hottest MCs VIII if Hov does drop that tentatively planned 12th solo album and a second Throne LP . Who gon’ stop him then? Tune in to MTV2 on Sunday, February 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT to catch ” MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts ,” then watch “Hottest MCs in the Game VII” immediately after at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT before capping the night off with ” Sucker Free Certified ” at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Related Videos ‘Hottest MCs In The Game VII’
My name is Ale. I am 13 years old, and I would’ve never thought that I could write one of these one day. I am a HUGE fan of Justin’s, so when I heard that I was getting FRONT ROW tickets to his concert, I absolutely went wild. I couldn’t believe it. It was something that I knew probably wasn’t going to happen again, so I couldn’t stop thinking about it till the day of the concert. September 30th, 2011. The day that would change my life forever. I got to the concert that day, with enough energy to run around the world, and a smile that could not fade. I took my seat in front row, when it finally began to sink in. I was going to see Justin Bieber only a few feet away from me in a couple of hours. I waited a lot of long and exhausting hours, but after the concert started, my heart raced. Justin walked in front of me on stage a few times, and his face looked as flawless as I had ever seen it. He looked 100x more gorgeous in person, I swear. I was watching the concert, and suddenly I realized that Scooter Braun was standing RIGHT in front of me! It was amazing. It was a really weird feeling seeing him in person, but it was astounding. He was watching the concert, so I said hi to him, and of course he said hi back. I asked him many questions about Justin and about how he was liking my city. I even got to give Scooter a high-five! My mind was blown, but not until I saw Kenny coming in as well. He, as well as Scooter, was standing only a few inches away from my face. The feeling can never be explained, but it was incredible seeing them so close to me. I talked to Kenny and told him that I admired him a lot, and I got to ask him other questions as well. I even touched his hand! A while into the awesome concert, Justin started pointing out random fans in the crowd, like “You in the yellow shirts, hey,” and “Over there with the giant black posters, I see you.” At this point, I decided to lift up a big, heart-shaped pillow that I brought with me to the concert , that had a big “I LOVE YOU” in white letters. I lifted it up really high so that Justin could see it. I had some hopes that he would, but I knew that I was 1 in 10 million. He started walking toward my side of the stage as he pointed out 3 different people in the audience. I was jumping so much and stretching my arms so high that my body started to hurt. But it was all worthwhile, because out of nowhere, Justin saw me, looked directly into my eyes, pointed at me, waved his hand and told me, “LOVE YOU, TOO!” then turned away after saying that . The crowd went crazy, but not as crazy as I did. I entered into this weird state of shock that I’d never felt before. I zoned out, my heart raced as fast as it ever had, and my nose stopped letting air in. Tears could not stop streaming out of my face. I cried horribly and made very loud noises as I cried. It was the most amazing feeling that I had ever felt in my life. I had this adrenaline inside me that I had to let out. I screamed, jumped, did everything I could to let that energy out. I was the luckiest girl on the planet at that moment. Justin Bieber had just told me he loved me! It is just a feeling that you can’t explain no matter what. I felt so relieved and special because I knew that for one moment, for that one small moment, Justin had looked at me and had thought of me. We made direct eye contact! It was an experience that I will definitely NEVER forget. Ever. To top the night off, I saw Pattie walking in front of me for a few seconds, looking as beautiful as ever. Unbelievable! I had always said to my friends and family to never say never and to never give up, and look where it got me. Look at the situation that I was put in. All because of staying positive and believing in myself for many years. A HUGE thanks to Justin for changing my life forever, I love you so much. Read more from the original source: My name is Ale. I am 13 years old, and I would’ve never…
Rihanna performed at a charity concert for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The performance was held the night of the Grammy Awards, and was headlined by Deadmau5. If you think the video is a bit short, Rihanna only performed for 7 minutes that night…and we can’t show ya the whole thing!!!
Some contestants who made it through were then sent packing in a new, cruel turn of events. By Adam Graham Contestants audition during “American Idol” Vegas week Photo: Michael Becker / FOX “American Idol” opened with 70 contestants Thursday (February 16) and ended with 42, as the Las Vegas cuts — referred to alternately as “brutal,” “painful” and “deep” — lived up to their billing. Some who made it through on the strength of their performances were later told they, in fact, didn’t make it through, a new twist. The twist wasn’t given a name, but it should have been called the “Gotcha!” — as in, “Oh, you thought you were going to go on to achieve your dream of being a singer? Gotcha!” In Vegas, contestants were asked to form groups and sing songs from the ’50s and ’60s onstage at the Aria hotel, home to the “Viva Elvis” show. The episode began, as all future “Idol” episodes should, with Heejun Han talking directly into the camera while wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. Han’s feud with this year’s resident cowboy contestant, Richie Law, has already proven he’s a dry-witted jokester at heart. But Han is also able to turn on the charm, such as when he tamed the “Vocal Coach from Hell,” Peggi Blu, and turned her into a pile of mush in his own hands. Regardless of Han’s chances this season, he should be considered for the position of next “Idol” host, should Ryan Seacrest ever abandon his post. Or hey, isn’t “The X Factor” looking for a new emcee ? Han — God bless Steven Tyler, who sang “Heejun” to the tune of “Hey Jude” when calling his name — made it through to the next round, along with groupmates Phillip Phillips (he apparently is going by “Phil” Phillips now, but we still prefer Phillip Phillips) and Neco Starr. Jairon Jackson initially made it through but then caught an ax to his jugular after the “Gotcha!” twist reared its ugly head. Sorry, man, no one said Las Vegas was going to be all fun and games. Richie Law, who tormented Han when they were groupmates in Hollywood, found a new victim to torture in Las Vegas in Jermaine Jones . The two baritones made for an unlikely duo, joining forces on “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” but they pulled it off — but only after Law once again showed his stubbornness, telling cameras, “I didn’t come here to recycle music; I came here to make it.” His determination paid off, but he needs to find a less aggressive way to celebrate; Jones accused him of both bruising his rotator cup and almost taking his neck off while manhandling him following their victory. The foursome to watch Thursday was the group composed of Reed Grimm , Elise Testone, Haley Johnson and Eben Franckewitz, who earned a standing ovation from the judges and were dubbed “unreal” by Steven Tyler for their version of “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” The performance came together in note-perfect fashion, as both Grimm — compared by some to an emerging Casey Abrams, though he reminds us more of actor Ethan Embry for some reason — and heartthrob-in-training Franckewitz made their presences felt. Other victims of the “Gotcha” twist included Gabi Carrubba, Candice Glover, Jairon Jackson, Gaga-alike Angie Ziederman and Schyler Dixon, whose brother, Colton, made it through to the next round. Singers who just plain got cut the first time around included Molly Hunt, Curtis Gray, Curtis Finch Jr., Mathenee Treco and Nick Boddington. While most contestants took their dismissals in stride, Jessica Phillips wins the Sour Grapes Award for most bitter rant of the night, telling cameras, “I’m an actual artist. It just doesn’t seem like they’re looking for real artists,” after the judges told her to pack her bags. She continued: “I didn’t come here to win a television show; I came here for a record deal. And, um, a lot of people are making it through that are not real artists, and they’re not going to sell any records, and I don’t have to worry about that because that’s not me.” Britnee Kellogg, the 27-year-old single mom from Vancouver, Washington, sang alongside Phillips and initially made it through, but was later cut thanks to the “Gotcha!” Only 24-year-old Courtney Williams of Philadelphia made it through from their original trio. Next week, the Idols will continue to fight for their lives as the field is narrowed from 42 to 24. What did you think of Thursday’s “Idol”? 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.
‘The Descendants’ and ‘Moneyball’ seem to be leading the race, but who will take home gold? By Kevin P. Sullivan Brad Pitt in “Moneyball” Photo: Columbia TriStar Woody Allen has dominated the race to decide the year’s best screenplay, winning the Golden Globe for “Midnight in Paris,” but when the Academy Awards split up the category into Adapted and Original, the former proves much harder to predict. Based on critic and guild awards, the competition for Best Adapted Screenplay comes down to two films: “Moneyball” and “The Descendants.” Each has won significant prizes in the past few months, so the category could result in one of the night’s few genuine surprises. Here are our predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay: Who Will Win : Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for “The Descendants.” Unfortunately, this will be the film’s consolation prize in a night dominated by Jean Dujardin and “The Artist.” Without all of the hype surrounding Michel Hazanavicius’ silent film, the story of a soon-to-be widower in Hawaii would be the odds-on favorite to take Best Picture and Actor. True to his reputation, Payne and his co-writers crafted a subtle, sad and touching film that keeps you laughing the entire way through. He has proven himself to be one of our most consistent auteurs. And although Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian’s screenplay for “Moneyball” deserves its spot as a front runner, Sorkin’s win for “The Social Network” only happened a year ago. Who Should Win : Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” Straughan and his late wife O’Connor faced the challenge of not only adapting a beloved novel, but one that had been previously adapted into a beloved miniseries. In transforming John le Carr
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