It wasn’t all an act, Simon Cowell told Barbara Walters on her Most Fascinating People of 2011 special last night. He truly didn’t like Paula Abdul when the two first worked together. “The truth was on the first two seasons, we couldn’t’ travel on the same plane together,” Cowell said during his ABC interview. “We really disliked each other that much.” But things soon changed for the better, Simon says. For the much, much, nearly naked better! Cowell said he’s “a million percent” sure that Abdul wanted him back in the day. Did he consider critiquing her performance… in bed?!? Yes, “but then I thought… I don’t think the after would be as good as the before,” he said. “I’d let her stay for a few hours, but then it would have to be good night.” Did Simon make the right choice? Would YOU sleep with Paula Abdul?
As crazy as this sounds, Amber Portwood should take some cues from Lindsay Lohan . The Teen Mom train wreck could end up in prison for up to two YEARS after she allegedly violated the terms of her probation – all of them, and repeatedly. Similar to LiLo, her probation includes ONEROUS tasks such as staying sober in public and not beating up people. Clearly too much to juggle all at once. Amber Portwood’s probation officer claims she committed these violations : Failure to obtain a GED. Failure to pay probation fees. Failure to set up a $10,000 college fund for her baby daughter. Failure to complete six months of anger control evaluation and classes. Our personal favorite: Failure to behave well in society. Presumably this includes drinking too much and hitting a person at a restaurant last month. The reason this is all a big deal is that Amber Portwood was given two years in jail after being convicted of beating the crap out of baby daddy Gary Shirley, however Amber’s sentence was suspended on the condition that she complete probation. Yeah. Amber’s due back in court for a hearing in January, when she’ll have the opportunity to explain herself. She may want to give Shawn Holley a call, STAT.
Owen Wilson, Elton John, Zooey Deschanel and more react to nominations. By Kara Warner Leonardo DiCaprio Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/ Getty Images Setting aside the Golden Globe snubs and shockers for a moment, there’s a lot of love flowing from the grateful chosen parties. MTV News has gotten very gracious and thrilled reactions from Globe nominees in film and television, including Leonardo DiCaprio , Elton John and David Duchovny. “I’m honored to be nominated by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association today,” DiCaprio said in a statement after his nomination for Best Actor in a Drama for “J. Edgar.” “I was extremely humbled to work alongside [director] Clint [Eastwood] and the entire cast of ‘J. Edgar,’ and am very excited to be recognized for my work on the film. Thank you.” “I’m thrilled to be included in this beautiful group of actors and actresses,” 25-time nominee Meryl Streep said of her Best Actress in a Drama nomination for “The Iron Lady.” “I’m very proud of our movie and look forward to seeing everyone at the party in January.” “It is an absolute honor to be nominated,” said Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical nominee Owen Wilson in a statement, who also picked up a SAG nomination for his work in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” “It was a great movie to work on, and I couldn’t be happier to be recognized by the HFPA.” “I’m very touched by the HFPA’s recognition of ‘The Descendants’ among so many other fine films this year, and I’m particularly gratified by the inclusion of Shailene Woodley along with George Clooney for acting honors,” writer/director Alexander Payne said in a statement of his Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay nominations for “The Descendants.” “I’m looking forward to the Golden Globes dinner and hope they provide a low-sodium option.” Elton John received his second nomination for Best Original Song for “Hello Hello,” which he wrote with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin for Disney’s animated feature “Gnomeo & Juliet”: “I am just thrilled that Bernie and I have been nominated for a Golden Globe. What a great end to a fantastic year!” John won the award in 1995 for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King.” Spanish director Pedro Almod
‘When you see that someone can make it on their own … you let that talent be,’ label boss says of J. Cole. By Rob Markman Jay-Z Photo: MTV News Jay-Z isn’t a dad quite yet, but maybe his many years as a label head has prepped him for fatherhood. “I think running a label is a bit like having kids,” Hov told MTV News while in New York to promote two charitable Carnegie Hall concerts in February. The Roc Nation CEO’s answer came in response to criticism that he could have done more to endorse J. Cole , who dropped his debut, Cole Word: The Sideline Story, in September. “When you know someone needs more help, you help them,” Jigga said. “When you see that someone can make it on their own … you see Kanye or J. Cole, you see that sort of talent — you let that talent be. You let that talent find its way.” It’s no secret that a co-sign from the God MC can help anyone’s career, but in the case of J. Cole, Hov didn’t believe his Roc Nation signee needed any more than what he was given. And apparently, Jay was right. With Sideline Story, Cole debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart, selling more than 217,000 copies in its first week of release. To Hova’s credit, he did appear on “Mr. Nice Watch,” a braggadocios album cut off of Cole’s debut, but the guest appearance came in the ninth inning. By August, Jay had not yet contributed to the album. During a press listening session that month it was clear that Cole was not expecting the feature. “Nobody owes me anything,” he said. “Jay-Z doesn’t owe me a verse because I signed to him.” Still, Jay was watching his prot
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are joining forces in their official new roles as ambassadors to the British Olympic and Paralympic teams. Sadly, Pippa Middleton is not royalty and thus, will not be participating along with the aforementioned, adorable trio. She remains royally cute, however. The Royals are part of a group of 27 other ambassadors named from among Britain’s most inspirational and accomplished Olympians from previous games. In the cuteness department, team Great Britain has already won gold . “Catherine, Harry and I are honored” and “hugely looking forward to an incredible sporting competition, but are also looking beyond next summer’s games to the springboard it will provide for future success and excellence,” William said in a statement. “London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will inspire so many people – particularly the young – to be the best they can be,” he added . Their offices at St. James’s Palace said the Royals will “use their roles to promote the importance of participation in Olympic and Paralympic sport and encourage greater awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic values.” For Kate Middleton , the appointment positions her in another major national role after her being named a patron for the country’s Princess Foundation. Among themselves, all three are athletic: William, an avid swimmer, hopes to run a marathon, takes part in soccer and rugby, and plays tennis with Kate. She played hockey at school, and still loves the game, as well as tennis. William’s younger brother Harry is a major rugby and polo enthusiast. [Photos: WENN.com]
Hate on her all you want, haters. Courtney Stodden doesn’t care. This future sex tape star says in a new interview with VH1’s The Fab Life that her life is “wonderful.” Largely thanks to whipped, elderly husband Doug Hutchison . “He picks up my coffee beans that I spill not he floor. He picks up my foundation,” says Stodden. “He picks up my feathers from my big robe that I wear.” And how does Courtney repair such a loyal man? How do you think? “I get up out of bed in the sexiest outfit you’ve ever seen,” she says. Watch this video interview below and do your best to keep your lunch down. Warning: it won’t be easy. Courtney Stodden on The Fab Life [Photo: Pacific Coast News]
Scarlett Johansson is reportedly fuming that her ex-husband, Ryan Reynolds, has moved on with Gossip Girl star Blake Lively – even though Scarlett ended their marriage. “Scarlett is pissed that he’s not under her spell anymore,” a source tells Us . “She realized what a great catch Ryan was.” Well, yeah. But it’s hard to blame Blake, right?! There’s also the fact that “Ryan would have gotten back with her. He was so totally in love,” says the insider,” but then she flaunted Sean [Penn] right after their split.” Looks like the Iron Man 2 star is SOL … but she still has the opportunity for a small victory here! Who’s hotter, ScarLo or Blively? Vote in our exclusive survey below!
Best New Artist nominees ‘really honored to represent country.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias The Band Perry Photo: MTV News The Band Perry is up for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards this February. They are up against some stiff competition in the form of Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, J. Cole and Skrillex. With artists from such a wide range of musical styles making the final cut, the category sets up one of the year’s most-interesting contests. The group’s leading lady spoke to MTV News on Wednesday night backstage at the Grammy Nominations Concert in Los Angeles, where artists including Lady Gaga took the stage . “Our parents were here with us tonight, so we all hugged, and I cried a little bit, and the second thing that popped into my mind was, ‘What a diverse category!’ ” Kimberly Perry shared. “There’s so many genres represented just in the new artist batch, and we’re just really, really honored to represent country in that.” The band, composed of three siblings, has been getting attention in the mainstream thanks to the success of their self-titled album, released in October 2010, and its breakthrough hit “If I Die Young,” a ballad about the perils of, well, dying young. But, the group was less focused on the morose and more focused on Nicki Minaj when they chatted with us. Think Beyonc
Bobby Ray calls working with Slim Shady, featured on his new E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial) mixtape, ‘a dream come true.’ By Steven Roberts B.o.B Photo: MTV News B.o.B ‘s first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, featured plenty of guest appearances, but arguably the biggest was Eminem ‘s feature on “Airplanes Part II.” Em is not exactly ubiquitous, but he found his way onto the up-and-comer’s track. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that they’d team up again. When Bobby Ray dropped his newest mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial), seemingly out of nowhere Monday, it featured an older track with Eminem, titled “Things Get Worse.” Though the track leaked in February, B.o.B decided to not let it go to waste. When MTV News caught up with Bob on Tuesday evening, he said the track was recorded in Detroit around the same time as the “Airplanes” sequel. He also said he relished the opportunity to work so closely with two artists — B.o.B is signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle — that were already legends. “Working with artists like Tip and Eminem, you really learn a lot from people who have put out countless albums,” he said. “Being that I’m fresh in the industry and really eager to learn and really show people everything I can do musically, they kind of help me. I remember Tip telling me, ‘I’m with you. I support everything you do.’ ” B.o.B revealed that he and Em have been in touch, and he had a chance to play Slim Shady his new record, Strange Clouds. Bobby Ray said it was still surreal to sit down with Em and have the rapper critique his work, especially since Em has been supportive of what he’s already done. “I grew up listening to Eminem, so to be able to work and get advice on your music from him is a dream come true,” he said. “It was free, a free environment. It really wasn’t rigid, just real free with the music, no ego.” Share your review of B.o.B’s E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial) mixtape in the comments below! Related Artists Eminem B.o.B
‘She’s always doing 25,000 things in a row,’ DJ White Shadow tells MTV News of Gaga’s 2012 plans. By Jocelyn Vena Lady Gaga Photo: Leon Neal/AFP Lady Gaga is hard at work. The Mother Monster is already coming up with ideas for 2012’s Born This Way Tour and even thinking about her next album . When MTV News caught up with pal and musical collaborator DJ White Shadow, he talked about what the Haus has in store for Gaga. “She’s doing prep for the next round of touring, and she’s always doing 25,000 things in a row,” he told MTV News last week when he stopped by to chat about the opening of Gaga’s pop-up holiday shop at Barneys . “But I think the main focus for her after this season is going to be prepping up for the show, touring new songs for the record.” Gaga has hinted that she’d like to get Elton John on this next record, but, right now, anything goes. White Shadow — who has worked with Gaga extensively on Born This Way, including on the tracks “Born This Way” and “Americano” — is ready to drop everything to collaborate with Gaga again. “I want to try and be as close to it as possible, that way I don’t have to wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning and fly to L.A. or wherever or Japan or wherever she’s starting to do stuff,” he explained. “Maybe when the tour starts, she’s working all the time. I send her stuff and she sends stuff. She’s always working on something. It just depends. I know she likes to write when she’s on the road, [so maybe she’ll make a] new album during the tour.” Given the pair’s track record, expect across-the-board sounds on the next project. “The kind of stuff that I send her, some of it is so crazy that I don’t know what you’d call it,” he said. “When I make stuff … I know what’s for her and what’s not for her. Some of it’s structured as songs and some of it is structured as madness, and she goes through it like a gold miner.” What are you expecting from Gaga’s next album? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos MTV First: Lady Gaga Related Artists Lady Gaga
