Tag Archives: performances

Justin Bieber Has ‘Some Surprises’ In Store For Grammy Performance

‘We got some other performers that are going to be there with me,’ teen star says of Sunday’s event. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway Justin Bieber Photo: Brian Phares/MTV News This Sunday is poised to be a big night for Justin Bieber. The teen star will not only find out if he takes home any Grammy Awards (he’s up for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for My World 2.0 ), he’s also performing at the show. And he’ll be getting a little help from his friends. Bieber will be joined on the Grammy stage by his “Never Say Never” pal, Jaden Smith , as well as his mentor, Usher, who appears on his song “Somebody to Love.” When Bieber stopped by MTV News to chat about his 3-D movie, “Never Say Never,” which opens this weekend, he also teased that his Grammy performance will be different than his performances at shows like the AMAs and VMAs, where he won Best New Artist . “I am going to [perform and] I’m gonna have some surprises there,” he explained. “We got some other performers that are going to be there with me, Jaden and Usher, so I’m really excited about it. Jaden’s cool. He’s gonna kick it. He’s gonna kill it. I’m excited.” After an incredible rise to stardom, Bieber will find out if he has what it takes to add Grammy winner to his already impressive r

Justin Bienber BioGraphy,Wiki,Career,Fans,Pics,Girlfriends,

Justin Bieber “Biography Collected and Posted by Zeemef9” *Justin Bieber is the newest singing sensation in the Americas. *Music industry big wigs have compared him to Michael Jackson for his soulful singing. *Justin Bieber really a rock star. Studio albums = 1 ? EPs = 2 ? Singles = 6 ? Music videos = 10 ? Digital singles = 4 ? Featured singles =3 *His Fans are really TOO much to handle.. *Before he was famous, Justin Bieber enjoyed playing sports – especially hockey because he's from Canada. *Date of Berth 1 March 1994, Stratford, Ontario, Canada. *Full Name Justin Drew Bieber . *Nick Name JB. *Height 5*7. *Justin Bieber Biography *Justin Bieber had many videos of himself singing at various venues on youtube – his mom videotaped all his performances along the way. When people would call and ask about managing his career, his mom was reluctant because of the horror stories everyone hears about young stars. Studio albums = 1 ? EPs = 2 ? Singles = 6 ? Music videos = 10 ? Digital singles = 4 ? Featured singles =3

Anthony Hopkins On ‘The Rite’: ‘I Know How To Scare People’

In new film, Oscar-winner plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas. By Kara Warner Anthony Hopkins Photo: MTV News If Anthony Hopkins fans know anything, it’s the fact that the Oscar-winner knows how to scare the pants off of moviegoers. The obvious, most-famous example is his award-winning turn as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in “Silence of the Lambs” and the subsequent sequels. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Sir Hopkins play dark and devious, but with the release of exorcism thriller “The Rite” on Friday (January 28), fans can reacquaint themselves with a bit of Hopkins’ tricks and treats. In the film, which is based on real-life events, Hopkins plays unorthodox exorcist Father Lucas. Without delving into spoiler territory — no more than what the creepy promotional posters give away — when MTV News caught up with the actor recently, we asked him to take us through his process of playing possessed. Hopkins explained that most of his performances come from extensive preparation. For “The Rite,” he learned Latin and Italian for certain scenes, and spent a lot of time alone in his hotel room going over the script. “I would be there in my den, my man’s cave, going over and over [the] script,” Hopkins said. “Gradually, as you go through it over and over, all these voices and interpretations come to you,” he explained, adding that by the time he was ready to film the key possession sequences, he knew the material so well he was open to improvisation. “I put all kinds of very suggestive sexual stuff into it which they cut out, but stuff that would provoke people. I knew that the response was good because [director] Mikael H

Nicki Minaj Says Appearing On ‘Saturday Night Live’ Is ‘Monumental’

Singer is musical guest on this weekend’s show, hosted by ‘Social Network’ star Jesse Eisenberg. By James Montgomery Nicki Minaj Photo: NBC / Broadway Video Fresh off the debut of her “Moment 4 Life” video, Nicki Minaj is gearing up for another rather momentous event: her appearance as this weekend’s musical guest on “Saturday Night Live.” And though it’s most definitely happening, Nicki still can’t believe it. And she won’t, not until she’s seen evidence to the contrary. This could prove problematic since, y’know, the show is live and all. “Being a part of ‘Saturday Night Live’ feels absolutely incredible. I still don’t even believe it’s true, I’m not even going to believe it’s really happening until — well, I’m going to DVR it, because I can’t watch it, because I’ll be on it,” she told MTV News, laughing. “But until I see it back on DVR, I’m not even going to believe I was really on the show. This is epic, this is monumental, this is historic stuff.” For a girl who grew up in New York (just like this weekend’s host, newly-minted Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg ), performing on “SNL” — a show that’s nearly as iconic as the city itself — is a dream come true for Minaj. “I mean, to be raised in New York, and to always hear about ‘SNL,’ ” she said. “I never had the honor of getting a pinkie toe in the building, now [I’m] here and it feels incredible.” She spent the days leading up to the show filming teaser commercials with Eisenberg and “SNL” castmember Kenan Thompson, and Minaj is taking the same approach when it comes to talking about her performances: She’s not revealing much. But you can probably guess at least one of the songs she’ll be doing. “Well, all I can say is that it’s going to be a ‘Moment 4 Life,’ ” Minaj smiled. Related Videos Nicki Minaj ‘Moment 4 Life’ Premiere Event Related Photos The Fashions Of Nicki Minaj’s ‘Moment 4 Life’ Video Related Artists Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj Says Appearing On ‘Saturday Night Live’ Is ‘Monumental’

Gut Full Of Cannon: Mariah Carey Performs “All I Want For Christmas” & “Oh Santa” At Disney Christmas Parade 2010 [Video]

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Gut Full Of Cannon: Mariah Carey Performs “All I Want For Christmas” & “Oh Santa” At Disney Christmas Parade 2010 [Video]

President Obama Personally Says “Thank You” To Eagles For Giving Mike Vick A Chance

Wow, Michael Vick is truly doing the damn thing! What has been a fairy tale year for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has now apparently received a presidential seal of approval. In a National Football League season that has repeatedly intrigued with the unexpected, perhaps nothing has been so astonishing as Vick’s rehabilitation both as a person and a football player. He is on the short list of most valuable player candidates, and he has been equally lauded for what is by all reports earnest contrition for his part in running an illegal dog-fighting ring. Now, Vick has received indirect praise from President Obama. In his column on Sports Illustrated’s website Monday, Peter King reports that Mr. Obama called Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie to thank the team for giving Vick a chance. Obama was “passionate about it,” Mr. Lurie told Mr. King, adding that the president said “it’s never a level playing field for prisoners when they get out of jail. And he was happy that we did something on such a national stage that showed our faith in giving someone a second chance after such a major downfall.” Vick served 18 months in federal prison, and there was only tepid interest among NFL teams when he was released before last season. When the Eagles signed him in 2009, it was to backup to starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who vowed to mentor Vick. Even this year, when McNabb left for Washington, promising youngster Kevin Kolb was named the Eagles’ starting quarterback, but Vick did not complain. To the contrary, he and Kolb reportedly struck up a cordial friendship, and all Vick’s comments about the situation were unequivocal in their support for Kolb. It was not until Kolb was injured early in the season that Vick got his chance, and his performances have turned the Eagles from a team scrapping to make the playoffs into a legitimate threat to reach the Super Bowl. Vick credits his ordeal with making him a better player. Arguably the best running quarterback in the history of the NFL, Vick has now added patience and better passing to his repertoire, making him a complete pro quarterback for the first time in his career. Obama’s comments come at a time when Vick is stressing the sincerity of his reformation. He recently said he would like to own a dog. He is currently prohibited form owning a dog, given that dogs in his fighting ring were maimed and killed. That’s what’s up…all Vick needs now is that MVP and a brand new multi-million dollar contract and he’ll be set! Source

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President Obama Personally Says “Thank You” To Eagles For Giving Mike Vick A Chance

Britney Spears Inspired ‘Country Strong’ Lead, Director Says

‘I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears,’ filmmaker Shana Feste says of crafting upcoming flick. By Mawuse Ziegbe Britney Spears Photo: Fame Pictures Gwyneth Paltrow may have honed her country-music skills for her role in the upcoming flick “Country Strong,” but her troubled character was actually inspired by a pop sensation. In the film, Paltrow plays embattled crooner Kelly Canter, who fights to resurrect her struggling career as a music superstar. Writer/director Shana Feste recently told the Los Angeles Times that Paltrow’s onscreen drama was inspired by the very public meltdown of pop megastar Britney Spears . “That’s where this movie came from. I mean, I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears,” Feste said. The filmmaker also added that wrapping up the script coincided with the outsize media frenzy surrounding another superstar. “I finished the script when Michael Jackson passed away ,” she revealed. Feste also lamented the dark side of celebrity-making, which entails ripping apart a once-beloved public figure at the first misstep. “I think it’s tragic how we treat people who give us so much, and we love to see them knocked down to build them back up again, to knock them down again,” she said. “It’s a weird fascination.” Paltrow has said that work on the project was challenging, due to both the physical and creative demands of the role. “It was brutal,” she told MTV News in September. “It was a brutal shoot. I mean, I wasn’t naked, naked, but I was semi-naked, in various stages of undress. [My character] has a drug and alcohol problem, so she’s struggling a lot. It was a lot of fun for me, as an artist.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Country Strong.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Country Strong’ Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears Inspired ‘Country Strong’ Lead, Director Says

Train Say Grammy Snub ‘Felt Like A Practical Joke’

Band performed at nominations concert before massive hit ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ was largely shut out by Grammys. By James Montgomery Train Photo: MTV News Even if you are the most casual of music fans, there’s still a pretty good chance you know (and probably even own) Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister,” the most omnipresent (and best-selling) song of 2010. No matter where you turned, it truly seemed like the song was there … except, strangely enough, the Grammys. Earlier this month, when nominations for the 2011 Grammy Awards were announced, “Hey, Soul Sister” was oddly absent. It failed to score a nod for either Record or Song of the Year — both of which seemed mortal locks, given the single’s general inescapability — and ended up with just one nomination: for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. And that was for a live version of the song. The fact that Grammy voters snubbed “Soul Sister” was even more shocking considering that Train were invited to perform at the annual Grammy Nominations Concert , a move that usually guarantees a plumb nod or two. And if you were surprised that Train left the telecast (largely) empty-handed, well, you weren’t the only one. “You know, it was a strange night for us, to be real honest with you,” Train frontman Pat Monahan told MTV News. “Playing the nominations show, being seated in the front to watch all the performances, and then to not be nominated for any of them during that show. I don’t really know what the take is, to be real honest. It kind of felt like a practical joke at the time. “I mean, a guy even came around, he was like, ‘You guys are going to be really happy tonight,’ ” drummer Scott Underwood added. “And we were like, ‘Oh, really? OK, cool!’ ” Monahan admitted that part of the reason “Soul Sister” was shut out of the Grammy’s big categories was because of a technicality: The song was released digitally in August 2009 — within the eligibility window for the 2010 awards — but added that the “live” version that picked up a nom probably should’ve sufficed for consideration, given the song’s success this year. “I’ll just speak for myself. During the ceremony, my feelings were hurt,” Monahan admitted. “I felt like we were being set up for something kinda big and it didn’t go down,” he said. “And I was like, ‘Wow, that was weird,’ because if I hadn’t been here, I’d just be psyched that we’re nominated, instead of disappointed that we weren’t nominated for the big several [awards]. But, you know, it’s cool to be nominated at the same time, so I’m pretty appreciative. It was just that one moment was a little bit hurt feelings.” And to that end, Monahan said he’s already put the Grammy incident behind him. In fact, he’s even learned a lesson from the whole thing. “It’s a great reminder that that’s not what we’re here for. Really what we’re here for — and we keep proving it over and over again — is, we’re here because there’s some Train fans out there, and somehow they keep growing instead of shrinking,” he said. “And there’s some music that we’re supposed to provide people to maybe make their lives a little bit better and, you know, that’s really why we’re here. All the rest is just whatever, as the song ‘If It’s Love’ says.” What do you think of Train’s Grammy experience? Were they wrongly overlooked? Sound off in the comments! Related Artists Train

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Train Say Grammy Snub ‘Felt Like A Practical Joke’

Katy Perry Joins ‘Glee’ Actor Darren Criss For ‘Teenage Dream’ Duet

Singer takes the stage with ‘Glee’ guest star at Trevor Project fundraiser Sunday night. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry and Darren Criss Photo: Angela Weiss/ Toby Canham/ Getty Images While Katy Perry and “Glee” guest star Darren Criss have both had chart success with Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” the two had yet to perform the track together. Criss originally performed the tune on the hit Fox show, while Perry released it earlier this year as the second single from her album of the same name. The two finally took the stage together for the first time at the Trevor LIVE annual fundraising event held at the Hollywood Palladium on Sunday night. Criss, dressed in a suit, was performing the track with the show’s Dalton Academy Warblers, when Perry, dressed in a sequin dress, hit the stage to belt out the last bit of the tune. Footage of the performance hit the Net shortly after the event. Other performances for the night included a spoken-word number from Queen Latifah as well as the Hollywood Bowl cast of “Rent” singing “Seasons of Love” and “Will I.” Kathy Griffin was honored by “Glee” star Jane Lynch for donating her paycheck from an L.A.-area stand-up gig to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that offers suicide-prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Some of the other names in attendance included Neil Patrick Harris, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Rashida Jones, David Arquette, Sarah Silverman, Taye Diggs, Idina Menzel, Kate Walsh, Wayne Brady, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, Kristin Davis, Brittany Snow, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Josh Duhamel, Anna Kendrick, James Marsden and Jessica Alba. “She’s been really sweet,” Criss said of Perry’s support after his “Teenage Dream” performance on “Glee.” ” … It’s a great tune. I really lucked out that I got to sing that song. I mean, you’ve gotta sing what they give you.” Whose version of “Teenage Dream” do you prefer: Katy’s or Darren’s? Or do you prefer their joint version? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Katy Perry

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Katy Perry Joins ‘Glee’ Actor Darren Criss For ‘Teenage Dream’ Duet

Mila Kunis Says ‘Black Swan’ Trainer ‘Kicked My Ass’

‘Get as skinny as you possibly can as fast as you can and then learn to get en pointe, ‘ she recalls to MTV News of preparation. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Mila Kunis Photo: MTV News While much of the buzz about “Black Swan” has been focused on the sexual undertones — and overtones — the real story is about the intensive training stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis underwent in order to transform for their performances. When MTV News caught up with Kunis, we asked her to give us the “CliffsNotes” version of her laborious undertaking for the flick, which opens Friday. “The preparation was, get as skinny as you possibly can as fast as you can and then learn to get en pointe while doing it,” she said. “I got the part, let’s say on a Wednesday. Thursday morning I went into the ballet studio in L.A. with Alexandra Blacker who was my ballet instructor. [She] was 20 years old at the time and had already broken her back and had fractured ribs and things. I went in there, started working with her for seven days a week, five hours a day and was put on a 1,200-calorie diet for a total of five or six months,” Kunis explained. “I did get one day off, and that was my birthday; Alexandra made me a root beer float.” The feisty 27-year-old added that her regimen didn’t stop for scheduling conflicts, even the Emmys. “We’re talking all day, every day,” she said of her training schedule. I remember during the Emmys and I said, ‘I don’t think I can make it, I have to get ready for the Emmys.’ [Blacker] said, ‘Yeah you can. I’ll see you at 6 a.m.’ So I went in at 6 a.m., danced for five hours, came home, showered and went to the Emmys.” Kunis went on to say that her younger instructor was quite the slave driver. “She never gave me a break. She was 20 and she kicked my ass.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Black Swan.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Mila Kunis

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Mila Kunis Says ‘Black Swan’ Trainer ‘Kicked My Ass’