Rumors surfaced recently that Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina walked off of Tyler Perry’s TV show “For Better Or Worse,” but the Atlanta filmmaker took…
Rumors surfaced recently that Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina walked off of Tyler Perry’s TV show “For Better Or Worse,” but the Atlanta filmmaker took…
‘The boy is talented, and you can’t take talent away. He’s a bona fide entertainer,’ veteran singer tells MTV News. By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway Chris Brown Photo: Noel Vasquez/ Getty Images Bobby Brown has been on the road with New Edition over the past few months for the group’s 30th anniversary tour, and as the veteran entertainer gets ready to drop his fifth album, The Masterpiece, he’s showering praise on contemporary stars like Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Usher who have furthered his R&B legacy. During the height of New Edition’s popularity in the ’80s, Brown cemented a bad-boy image that stuck with him throughout the years, sometimes to his detriment. The new generation of R&B singers have faced their own unique challenges after being thrust into the spotlight, and maybe none as obvious as Chris Brown. Still, Bobby Brown thinks the young star isn’t doing too badly for himself. “He’s good; he’s a church boy compared to me,” Brown told MTV News matter-of-factly. “Chris Brown is incredible. [He’s] an incredible dancer, incredible singer. I respect him a lot because he’s held his head up throughout everything that he’s been through,” Brown said, addressing the singer’s much-publicized assault case against ex-girlfriend Rihanna. “He’s only been through a little bit, but the boy is talented and you can’t take talent away. Talent is given from God, you can’t learn what he does. He’s a bona fide entertainer and he should be respected.” Despite the setbacks Chris Breezy has faced, Bobby Brown is confident that he has what it takes to stick around in the long run. “He’s still young and he’s got a long way to go. I’m 30 years deep into this entertainment thing and I could see him 30 years from now, still doing what he does — flipping and singing and dancing,” Brown continued. “And now he’s getting ready to do a movie, so he’s covering the spectrum of entertainment.” Chris isn’t the only millennial entertainer who gets praise from Bobby Brown, though. “Trey Songz is definitely a talented brother, he’s a talented writer, talented singer,” he adds. “I just love the new generation of R&B singers, I think they’re upholding what entertainment is about. I got it from Rick James and Michael Jackson, and I’m just grateful that they’re taking what I love, what I’m passionate about, to the next level and keeping it young and fresh.” Usher, who will release his new album, Looking 4 Myself, just one week after The Masterpiece drops on June 5, is also on top of the list. “Before Usher even had a record out, I was training him, I’m surprised I didn’t put him out,” Brown said. “I worked with him a lot, teaching him different ways of training your body to dance and I’m proud of him. I’m glad he kept everything together.” Brown will continue his mission to entertain the masses with The Masterpiece , which is his first album in 14 years. And although he’s got respect for the new crop of singers, he maintains that he needed to fly solo this time around. “This project is about me as an individual and me as far as growth in my life, so I didn’t really want to go all commercial with it, and to make it something that became a spectacle.” Brown admitted. “This is all about Bobby right now. It’s just to get this off my heart and once this is released and people are able to hear it and appreciate it, then I can move forward with my life.” The The Masterpiece , is set for release on June 5, led by the single “Don’t Let Me Die.” Do you agree with Bobby Brown’s praise of Chris Brown? Leave your comment below! Related Artists Chris Brown Bobby Brown
‘Throughout this competition, I grew a backbone,’ Ledet says of his third-place finish and his plans for a post-‘Idol’ album. By James Montgomery Joshua Ledet performs on “American Idol” Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images Despite receiving heaps of hyperbolic praise throughout his run on “American Idol” — like, for example, when he was dubbed “one of the best singers ever on the show” — Joshua Ledet wasn’t angry when he was booted in the week leading up to the “Idol” finale. Quite the opposite, in fact. “I was happy that I finished third; all the stress was gone from me. I felt relieved that I didn’t have to worry about competing, or learning any more songs … I was really, really relieved after getting voted off,” Ledet told MTV News. “Just being on a schedule every day, knowing what you’re going to do throughout the whole day, at the exact time, was ridiculous. We would literally go by the schedule. It was tough, rehearsing, learning the songs, doing press, photo shoots, all these different things, all in one day. … I don’t even think celebrities do that much in one day.” And while he might have had some issues with the rather frantic “Idol” schedule, Ledet had none with the guy who ended up winning this season, Phillip Phillips, whom he said “deserved” to be crowned champion — even if, like much of America , Ledet knew it was pretty much a foregone conclusion. “He’s not the kind of person to let people make decisions for him, he stands his ground and does his own thing. I think his career will be great,” he said. “I kinda knew in the back of my head that it was going to be Phillip, because his fans are ridiculous.” Ledet added that he’d like to emulate Phillips’ attitude when it comes time to make his post-“Idol” album — something that, before he competed on the show, seemed an impossibility for the shy Louisiana native. But now, thanks to his tremendous run and all that praise, Ledet’s ready to make the kind of album he wants to, and on his own terms. “I think throughout this competition, I grew a backbone, and I learned how to say ‘no.’ And I think when that time comes, to where I’m sitting in a room with a whole bunch of people deciding what my album’s going to be like, I think I’ll be strong enough to say ‘no’ to some things and ‘yes’ to things that I really want,” Ledet smiled. “And when they say ‘no,’ I’ll say ‘yes’ if I really like it. … Growing a backbone throughout this competition really helped me and got me in the shape I need to be in. … It’s the best thing I took from ‘American Idol.'” 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 11 Finale Show
Actor introduces exclusive ‘Magic Mike’ clip during Movie Awards Sneak Peek Week at 11 p.m. ET on MTV. By Fallon Prinzivalli Channing Tatum in “Magic Mike” Photo: Warner Bros Sneak Peek Week kicked off strong with Kristen Stewart and Sam Claflin bringing you an exclusive look at “Snow White and the Huntsman” on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the cast of “That’s My Boy,” including Andy Samberg, Will Forte and Vanilla Ice, kept everyone laughing with a sneak peek at their R-rated comedy . And the first looks continue as Channing Tatum hits Universal’s CityWalk to bring us “Magic Mike” on Thursday (May 31). The film is loosely based on Tatum’s time as a stripper. He plays an exotic dancer named Mike who takes newbie performer the Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing to teach him the ways of partying, women and money. Watch as Tatum reveals it all live on MTV at 11 p.m. ET, and log on to MTV.com immediately after to catch a Q&A with the actor. As if the film’s plot isn’t enough to get you to tune in, here are five reasons to check it out! Never-Before-Seen Clip Who doesn’t love exclusives? With a steamy hot trailer satiating our thirst for a glimpse at the actors taking it all off, aren’t you ready to see a scene from the movie — possibly a full strip tease or maybe a closer look at the Kid? We certainly are! Grab your dollar bills, your favorite late-night snack and get ready to be entertained. Your Burning Questions Answered If you haven’t been tweeting @ MTVNews your questions with the hashtag #MTVSneak, hop to it! Immediately following the exclusive clip, our very own Josh Horowitz will be sitting down with Tatum to ask him your Twitter questions! Spill everything you’re dying to know — in 140 characters or less — and maybe the hunky actor will be answering you live on MTV.com! Juicy Movie Details During that same Q&A session, we’ll have some questions of our own for Tatum while the actor’s in the hot, hot, hot seat. We were able to get Stewart and Claflin to revisit “Fifty Shades of Grey” and garnered details from “That’s My Boy” star Milo Ventimiglia regarding Taylor Lautner’s role in “Grown Ups 2.” You never know what our persuasive power will get Tatum to spill — maybe some “G.I. Joe” news? You’ll have to watch to find out! A Hilariously Good Time If you haven’t noticed, we like to have fun with celebrities who visit MTV headquarters. Last night we took the liberty of mashing up the faces of the actors in “That’s My Boy” to see what their children would look like. (Horowitz and Ventimiglia made a surprisingly attractive child.) With Tatum revealing his knack for comedy in “21 Jump Street” — his talent proven by the film’s ability to nab six Movie Award nominations — our time with the actor will be nothing short of entertaining. Channing Tatum + Stripper Movie = Impromptu Dance Party? Hey, it’s MTV Movie Awards week. We’re known for having some seriously outrageous moments and Tatum just so happens to be known for — aside from being an incredibly successful actor — his impressive dancing skill. So who knows, maybe Horowitz will get a lap dance. Anything can happen. Don’t miss it! Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. Related Photos ‘Magic Mike’ Trailer: Five Key Scenes
Critics agree ‘breathtaking imagery’ makes ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ the fairest adaptation of them all. By Fallon Prinzivalli Kristen Stewart in “Snow White and the Huntsman” Photo: Universal “Snow White and the Huntsman” is not your average fairy tale. The princess is quite capable of saving herself, the prince is vying for Snow’s love with the handsome Huntsman, and the Dark Forest is ever more present than any furry woodland creatures. Director Rupert Sanders created a darker version of the classic story where Snow White gears up for battle against Queen Ravenna , and the evil witch actually has an emotional reason for why she’s killing females to remain young. Kristen Stewart leads the film as the title character, with stunning performances by Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin. Stewart will be one of the many stars in attendance at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards this Sunday, June 3, where she’ll act as a presenter and compete for the Golden Popcorn in the Best Kiss and Movie of the Year categories. Until then, audiences can catch her in action beginning Friday when “Snow White” hits theaters. Read on to find out why critics are calling this the fairest adaptation of all. The Story “Astonishingly beautiful and breathtaking in its brutal imagery, ‘Snow White & the Huntsman’ is thrilling and frightening in equal measure, yet as bereft of satisfying substance as a poisoned apple. Rupert Sanders’ revisionist take on the classic Brothers Grimm fable, the first feature from the respected British commercial director, upends expectations of traditional gender roles while simultaneously embracing what a fairy tale should be. It’s dark and dangerous, vicious and violent. Yes, there are dwarves and adorable, furry woodland creatures but more often, death is a constant threat.” — Christy Lemire, Associated Press The Special Effects “Director Rupert Sanders, with his first feature, has come up with some jaw droppingly beautiful shots, almost tactile in their richness, and uses special effects to enhance that look, rather than just showing off.” — Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic Kristen Stewart “Kristen Stewart is not an obvious choice for Snow White, given her habitual expression of discomfort while striking conventional feminine poses — both in movies and on red carpets. That’s why, of course, she’s right for this Snow White, imprisoned in a tower during puberty and with no regard for her looks: She has integrity, inner beauty. ‘How do I inspire? How do I lead men?’ she asks the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), a grief-stricken drunk who teaches Snow White how to stab her opponents by using the weight of their onrushing bodies against them. She’s not a barrel of laughs, but then, unlike recent fractured fairy tales such as ‘Tangled’ and the campy ‘Mirror Mirror,’ ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ doesn’t have a single (intentional) laugh.” — David Edelstein, New York Magazine The Dwarves “For a while the movie chugs along serviceably. … But then things pick up. How? Three words, as Hemsworth’s character puts it: ‘Oh no. Dwarves.’ Yes, this version does have dwarves, and they’re played by non-dwarf actors who’ve been reduced by special effects, and at least one of those actors hasn’t been in a really big picture in some time. And they are feisty and different and delightful, and their ruminations on their loyalties to the kingdom and the young woman they acknowledge as their rightful queen help shift the picture into high gear, as does a shift from a dark forest to an enchanted wood that packs some of the movie’s most magical visuals.” — Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies The Final Word “Ravenna’s delivery of the poisoned apple to Snow White is brilliantly done, perhaps the movie’s best revisionist moment, but after that the momentum declines sharply. Snow White ‘dies’ and is revived — more mysteriously, and with less emotional impact, than in the Disney film — and then she must lead her rebel troops into battle, delivering a knockoff version of the St. Crispin’s Day inspirational speech from ‘Henry V’ … I’m inclined to conclude that ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ is a vigorous simulacrum of classic fantasy, rather than the real thing. But keep your expectations reasonable, and that’s enough to make it one of the summer’s unexpected delights.” — Andrew O’Hehir, Salon . Check out everything we’ve got on “Snow White and the Huntsman.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Snow White And The Huntsman’ Related Photos ‘Snow White And The Huntsman’ World Premiere
Monaghan tweets that his former ‘Lost’ co-star has ‘often’ abused women; a source close to Fox denies the claims to TMZ. By Jocelyn Vena Dominic Monaghan and Matthew Fox Photo: Getty Images Dominic Monaghan had some heated words for his former “Lost” co-star Matthew Fox on Twitter over the weekend. It all stemmed from a fan asking Monaghan to persuade Fox to tweet more. “He beats women. No thanks,” he told the fan, @omggbeccaa. Monaghan was seemingly referring to an allegation by a female Cleveland party-bus driver who filed a personal-injury suit against Fox last year after he allegedly punched her in the groin when she refused to take him back to his hotel. Prosecutors never filed charges against the actor, and Fox has since countersued the woman for defamation. After Monaghan’s initial tweet to her, the fan responded, “I KNOW IT WAS WRONG BUT WHAT?! WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD TOGETHER?!” He tweeted back, “How do you know we ever did?you don’t know either of us.he beats women.not isolated incidents.often.not interested.” Regarding the Cleveland woman’s claim against Fox, the actor added, “An accusation is when you’claim’ someone did something wrong.i know.but hey little fan girl maybe want to get slapped around by him? Daddy issues? Blinded by the nice haircut? It’s never okay. Maybe you have lower standards.” As the heated conversation came to an end, the fan responded, “Sorry about the matthew fox thing stay awesome,” before she began receiving threats from people who accused her of condoning abuse. “To clear things up- when i wrote that tweet i had no idea it would get that kind of a response from dom.. after that tweet, i wrote back without even thinking- in that moment i was just diassapointed- so for those of you who are saying that i think it is okay to ‘beat women’ you are wrong, so please stop with the hate tweets,” she wrote. “i respect doms opinion, just not the way he handled the response.” According to TMZ , since the exchange went down over the weekend, a source close to Fox said he has never beaten a woman, despite Monaghan’s Twitter allegations. The source added that the actors haven’t spoken in years and never had any huge arguments that would lead to Monaghan’s Twitter tirade. Fox’s rep has yet to comment. In 2010, Monaghan portrayed an abusive boyfriend in Eminem ‘s “Love the Way You Lie” video alongside Megan Fox. “I think we tried as hard as we could to not glorify the violence, to try and explain that this was a relationship that is by no means ideal and a relationship that probably should have ended a lot sooner than it did,” Monaghan told MTV News in 2011 about his role in the controversial clip. Of Em’s own history with violence , Monaghan added, “He has a very good handle on his anger. He’s able to channel it very easily. Instead of hiding behind it or pretending that there’s something else going on, he actually is able to pinpoint where his anger is coming from.”