Gaga tells MTV News about the ideas behind Sunday’s big show opener. By Christina Garibaldi Lady Gaga Photo: MTV Lady Gaga has graced many an awards show stage in the past two years, and this Sunday will mark her second performance at the MTV Video Music Awards . But there’s one significant difference this year: Gaga’s opening the show . Hoping, as always, to keep us guessing, she’s has been tight-lipped so far about her highly anticipated appearance, but she did tell MTV News about the rather high-minded inspiration behind it. “Right now, I’m obsessed with the archetypes of our psychology and all the different people we can become or have become in the past,” Gaga said. “Our potential for the future and how do we in our minds sort of compartmentalize our different personalities. So that’s something that I’m fascinated with right now. It’s almost as if I’m reviewing my life as a play.” So how does all that come into play when coming up with a memorable VMA performance? “My approach to music and performance is not just about what happens on the stage,” Gaga said. “My whole life is a performance, and it’s about pushing the boundaries of pop culture and for myself, deciding where the stage begins and ends, not allowing anyone else telling me when or how I can perform. I can perform when I choose.” Balloons? Blood? Jo Calderone? See what Gaga fans are hoping her VMA performance will include. Gaga is confident that she will deliver what her Little Monsters want on Sunday night, since the creative idea for her set came to her just as fast as the idea behind her bloody 2009 VMA “Paparazzi” performance . “It came as quickly as the last one did,” Gaga said. “Any good performance flows out easily. If I have to think about it too much, something is wrong.” The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards http://www.mtv.comwill air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year’s highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com . Related Videos 2011 VMAs: Behind The Scenes Related Photos 2011 Video Music Award Nominees Related Artists Lady Gaga
Affion Crockett may enjoy Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch The Throne , but he’s been more focused on trying to occupy it as comedy’s new king. The Fayetteville, N.C. native has taken his experiences literally “Wild ‘n Out” with Nick Cannon and on Youtube to plant his has flag on network TV. “I got started as a kid doing voices of what I saw on TV,” says the actor and writer who has roles in Dance Flick , Soul Men and Universal Remote in his resume. “Fast way forward to Wild ‘n Out and people know me as the dude that does the killer Jay-Z impersonation. When MTV did Short Circuits we tapped ‘em with sketch comedy but we didn’t go all the way. When the MTV situation was over I went to Youtube and started producing all of them on line.” With the internet providing an ideal testing ground for his ideas, Affion had free reign to fill a void in comedy. Almost overnight he established an allegiance of followers. “When I did the videos online they caught on really fast, especially the hip-hop parodies, he says of the classic impressions of Jay-Z, Ludacris and Lil Wayne. “So 40 million views later I got with my boy Carl Jones, he’s a producer on The Boondocks. He and I went to HS together in North Carolina. He came to me and said we should do a sketch show. So we compiled a reel of all the stuff from Youtube and took it to Fox. They said we want it, we’re with it. Let’s go.” “In The Flow” premieres this Sunday August 14th on Fox and Affion came to TheUrbandaily offices to give us five reasons that we all should tune in. 1) The Comedic Family Tree “ In The Flow is the nephew to “In Living Color.” I’ve studied the Wayans’, I’ve worked with them. They’ve given me the stamp on my back to say that I’m the next generation of sketch comedy. I wear that proudly. If you saw me on Wildin’ Out with Nick Cannon it’s that same Hip-Hop based energy that’s appealing to everybody. I come out live in front of the audience and do a sketch, then do the pre-tape stuff where I transform into all of these people. It’s crazy. “ 2) Only Black show on Network TV “This is the only Black show on network TV. It’s a sad statistic but I take on the responsibility with full confidence. If that’s where God wanted me to be at this time to break doors back down to come back to network TV I feel no pressure at all because I know I can make people laugh. We crafted this show to make people laugh. I’m ready. Bring it on.” 3) No Disrespect “Drake, Jay-Z and Russell love the impressions I do [of them]. 99% of the time the response is positive. I try not to be disrespectful. I keep it funny but respectful.” 4) Nothing Forced “I latch on to either how popular the person is at the moment, how relevant they are to pop culture, and if I can nail the impression. If I can’t nail an impression I won’t do it.” 5) Comedy In The Raw “There were some compromises throughout the taping but 90% of this show is just me going in. Where else are you going to find that raw comedy on TV? Even SNL, as great as they can be at times, they’re reading off of cue cards. It’s not spontaneous. They don’t give themselves room to be spontaneous. I’m a fan of SNL, but this is my moment to show my brand of comedy. That’s why it’s called “In The Flow.” It’s freestyle, it’s comedy in the moment. We definitely have some structure and scripts but for the most part you just gonna see me wile’ out.” “In The Flow” premieres on August 14th on Fox. Check your local listings for times! Affion Crockett Spoofs Rick Ross [VIDEO] Jamie Foxx To Launch New Sketch Comedy Series On Fox HILARIOUS: Affion Crockett Spoofs Drake Again!
Before the VMAs air live August 28 at 9 p.m. ET on MTV, we shine a spotlight on some lesser-known clips. By James Montgomery Kanye West Photo: Flanigan/ FilmMagic Last week, the nominations for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards were revealed in a live special that featured plenty of surprise guests (like multiple-nominees Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Tyler, the Creator) and just as many actual surprises. Perhaps nowhere was the latter more apparent than in the Video of the Year category, which saw Perry’s “Firework” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” grab noms ( as predicted ), but also featured a trio of rather unexpected inclusions: Mars’ “Grenade,” the Beastie Boys’ “Make Some Noise” and Tyler’s “Yonkers.” In fact, though they’re all worthy selections, this year’s Video of the Year category might best be remembered for the clips that didn’t make the cut. And we’re not just talking about high-profile vids like Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” or Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends” either. There were plenty of videos that wowed us in 2011, from artists both big and small. And after some rather zesty debate in the MTV Newsroom, we’ve compiled some of our favorites. Have a look at our picks for the Other Videos of the Year. Arcade Fire, “The Suburbs” A stirring, somber clip that’s part political treatise (the perils of colonialism, the erosion of civil liberties, etc.), part social commentary (the steady advance of adulthood, the preponderance of the past) and all compelling. It’s part of a larger film from director Spike Jonze and the band. Proof that sometimes the best artists actually do make the best art. Battles, “Ice Cream” A collection of seemingly random images — Karate! Some dude drinking milk! Bowling! A girl licking a doorknob! — tossed in a blender and whirled into a seizure-inducing syrup. The end result is a blissed-out, kinetic trip, and while it doesn’t make an ounce of sense, when paired with Battles’ spastic strut, it almost does. Almost being the operative word, of course. James Blake, “Limit to Your Love” A clip that’s as sumptuously simple as the track it backs, “Limit to Your Love” is little more than scenes of urban malaise — a darkly lit apartment, a decadently unmade bed, a decaying wooden floor — but its true power lies in the wonder it creates within those confines. Appliances limp to life, fruit hovers in the air, and a churning sea appears out of thin air. Like Blake’s music, there’s magic in the minimalism. Kanye West, “Monster” The disclaimer at the beginning states that “Monster” is “an art piece and it shall be taken as such,” but as is the case with pretty much everything Kanye does, it’s not that simple. Because while some decried the clip for its (frankly pretty brutal) misogynistic leanings — and with the abundance of half-nude women, fully deceased women, who can blame them? — few could deny that “Monster” is also a jarring, compelling, decidedly dark masterstroke. Deeply troubling torture porn or totally realized work of art? Probably both. Manchester Orchestra, “Simple Math” The year’s most brilliant, beautiful (and quite possibly best ) video, “Simple Math” twists time and space — the whole thing plays out over the time it takes frontman Andy Hull’s truck to spin violently off the road — into a M
‘All my windows still are broken but I’m standing on my feet,’ the star sings on new track. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Demi Lovato’s new single “Skyscraper” is finally here. The empowering ballad about finding strength in the wake of a waning relationship dropped on Tuesday (July 12). A piano plays as Demi sings, “Sky’s are crying, I am watching catching teardrops in my hands/ Only silence, as it’s ending, like we never had a chance.” By the second verse, an empowered Lovato begins to find more strength. As a beat kicks in, she sings, “As the smoke clears/ I awaken and untangle you from me/ Would it make you feel better to watch me while I bleed?/ All my windows still are broken but I’m standing on my feet.” And on the chorus, she proclaims, “You can take everything I have/ You can break everything I am/ Like I’m made of glass, like I’m made of paper/ Go on and try and tear me down/ I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper.” The song closes out with Demi proudly belting out that chorus. In a teaser for the video , directed by Mark Pellington and dropping this week, Demi is seen standing alone in the desert. She looks straight into the camera before the clip fades out. “This song is so special to me because it’s inspired by my journey and the struggles that I’ve dealt with this past year,” she told Seventeen.com . “I hope people are able to relate to it and realize that they are able to rise above and overcome any obstacle, no matter the circumstances, and shine like a skyscraper. I am still on a personal journey dealing with my own issues each and every day, but the best advice I can give to anyone going through a rough patch is to never be afraid to ask for help.” The song was written by Toby Gad and will be her first big release since leaving treatment earlier this year. “Recording this song was such an amazing experience for me. It was such an incredible and emotional process, and I couldn’t have asked for a better producer to work with than Toby Gad,” she said. “Toby is one of the sweetest people I know and I am so proud of the work we did together. My biggest wish for this song is that it’s able to inspire others and urge them to keep moving forward no matter what the odds.” What do you think of Demi’s new single? Tell us in the comments. Related Artists Demi Lovato
Perry posts photo of herself ‘planking’ in fins shortly after Gaga teases a mermaid-themed video. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry Photo: Katy Perry/ Twitter Of all the potential beefs in the music industry, mermaids didn’t seem like the most likely of instigators. But that may change. Shortly after Lady Gaga teased that her mermaid alter ego, Yuyi, might be “born” in her next music video, Katy Perry tweeted a photo of herself dressed as a mermaid. “PROPER planking FTW! #itswhatArielwoulddo,” she wrote on Twitter , showing off her second entry into the Internet phenom of planking , in which people post photos of themselves lying face down, with their arms at their sides, in awkward locations. In the photo, Perry is done up in full mermaid attire: She’s wearing a purple wig with a starfish hairpin, a shimmering aqua-and-pink mermaid tail with a matching bra top. She’s surrounded by shiny paper acting as water and a bridge prop looms in the background. There’s been no word on the official purpose of the photo shoot. While Gaga hasn’t commented on any mermaid similarities, her creative director, Laurieann Gibson, did make reference to it on Twitter just hours after Perry tweeted the photo of herself. “Proud of my artist #1 in the world @Ladygaga her vision& passion. even though they try to steal a tail there’s only 1 Mermaid, Swim On!!!” Gibson wrote . Gaga has certainly been trying to make her mermaid phase happen for some time now. She initially introduced fans to Yuyi on Twitter earlier this summer and donned mermaid attire for her performance on “Le Grand Journal.” Though she apparently nixed the rumored mermaid treatment for her “Edge of Glory” video , she told a Taiwanese talk show last week that Yuyi is “in incubation” and may appear in the video for her yet-unannounced fourth Born This Way single. Of course, neither Gaga nor Perry would be the first pop star to think of using the mythological creatures for their sets. In Madonna’s black-and-white clip for 1989’s “Cherish,” directed by the late fashion photographer Herb Ritts, Madonna splashes in the waves with mermen. Mermaids are popping up elsewhere in pop culture too, as a major plot point in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and in several new novels, including an upcoming book by “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer. Related Artists Lady Gaga Katy Perry
Chris Marrs Piliero explains the video’s ‘Half Baked’ and ‘Terminator’ homages, but what about those elusive seashells? By Kara Warner Britney Spears in her “I Wanna Go” music video Photo: Jive Britney Spears’ video for “I Wanna Go” — a dream-sequence-y, pop-culture-reference-packed tongue-in-cheek attack on the paparazzi — is so fun, it’s quickly becoming one of our favorites. And because we can’t get enough of it, MTV News sought out the vid’s creative mastermind, director Chris Marrs Piliero (who also directed Ke$ha’s “Blow”), to explain it to us, frame by frame. “This opening scene poked fun at the ridiculous rumors that surround Britney,” Piliero said of the clip’s opening press conference, during which Britney tells off a room of reporters. “That is our homage to ‘Half Baked.’ I was really stoked that we were able to include that little parody homage in the video and that Guillermo Diaz, who is the guy [in the scene] giving the thumbs up, is from the movie.” After strutting out of the press conference and squeezing the butt of an autograph-seeking fan (played by one of her dancers), Spears strolls down the street, passing by a baby in a stroller who whistles at her. “We were actually going to have three babies,” Piliero revealed. “But the other two were just crying and crying. and I was like ‘F— it, get ’em outta there,’ and the one baby, he ruled and was super cute, so we went with him.” Spears’ next saucy move is to flash a bunch of guys on the street: a young boy, his dad, a male driver getting a ticket and the cop writing it. “That little kid was awesome,” Piliero said of the young redheaded boy. “If you look closely, he’s actually squeezing his juice box all over this shirt. The cop is another one of Britney’s dancers. You might recognize him from the ‘Hold It Against Me’ video, he had blue hair.” Next up, Spears encounters a paparazzo on the street and grabs his camera and throws it to the ground. “That was a very genuine performance from Britney,” Piliero said of the scene. “I felt like she was letting out her inner emotion toward paparazzi. It was also really cold. I think she just went for it.” Cut to Spears on top of a taxi, microphone in hand with a long cord, which she uses to take out the various photographers who have surrounded her. “A lot of people think this was inspired by ‘Kill Bill,’ because I’m a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. I would totally own up to that if it was true,” he admitted. “But I actually intended for her to always having her performance with the microphone [throughout the video] for her performance setup, so I thought that was a good way to tie it all together and I didn’t want to give her a real weapon.” But Piliero was making an intentional pop-culture reference with the wording on the movie theater marquee in the background of the scene that reads “Crossroads 2: Cross Harder.” “I’ve always thought that ‘Die Hard 2: Die Harder’ is one of the most ridiculously awesome titles for a sequel ,” he said. “And I needed to put something in the marquee, and I thought it would be a really fun Easter egg for fans.” Now something odd happens with the paparazzi who’ve been hit by Spears’ microphone weapon — they are revealed to be robots or androids. “I love pop culture and this whole video is kind of a dream sequence,” Piliero said. “I think it’s natural to have fantasies and dreams with stuff inspired by pop culture, so that’s why the robot guys kind of have a ‘Terminator’-ish feel.” Before the “Terminator” ‘bots can move in on Spears, Diaz drives up in a sports car and whisks her away, where he celebrates by pouring a carton of milk all over himself. “Guillermo kills it in the scene with the milk, he’s hilarious,” Piliero enthused. “And I love Britney’s reaction there; both her reactions where she’s laughing are so good. A lot of people ask about the milk and what the deal with it is, a lot of people have theories too, I don’t need to say what the point is, because I love hearing what people say, so I’ll leave it at that. Same goes with the seashells too.” Cut to the final scene, where we realize that it was all a dream. Spears is at the press conference, shaken out of a daze when Guillermo steps in and tells the reporters, “No more questions,” then hands Spears a handful of those seashells that Piliero won’t explain. He looks back at the camera at the last moment and we see his eyes are robot red, an obvious nod to Michael Jackson’s zombie-green eyes in the last shot of “Thriller.” ” ‘Thriller is one of my favorite music videos ever,” Piliero said. “I remember watching it when I was five, that was what inspired me to become a music video director so I wanted to pay homage to it.” What do you think the milk and the seashells signify in “I Wanna Go”? Share your theories in the comments below. Related Videos Britney Spears’ ‘I Wanna Go’: Frame By Frame Pop References In Britney Spears’ ‘I Wanna Go’ Video Related Photos Britney Spears’ ‘I Wanna Go’ Video: Pop References Related Artists Britney Spears
New Jersey will honor Clemons by flying flags at half-staff on Thursday. By Gil Kaufman Clarence Clemons Photo: Getty Images Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to his musical brother, late sax player Clarence Clemons , on Tuesday at a memorial service in Florida. The titanic 69-year-old musician died on Saturday at a Palm Beach hospital after complications from a recent stroke. The private two-hour funeral at a small church near Palm Beach was attended by Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa, as well as fellow E Street bandmember Steven Van Zandt, singer Jackson Browne and Miami Heat general manager Pat Riley. “Clarence was a man of unconditional love, but his love came with a lot of conditions,” Springsteen said of his friend of more than four decades. His comments drew some knowing laughs and nods from the crowd of 150 packed into the small Royal Poinciana Chapel, according to the U2 to Coldplay and Slash, paid tribute to Clemons . “His partnership with Bruce Springsteen and the rest of the E Street Band brought great pride to our state and joy to every fan of this music around the world.” Clemons was born in Virginia in 1942, but moved to Jersey as a youth counselor before joining Springsteen’s band. “On a personal note, when I heard about the Big Man’s passing on Saturday night, I was struck with an overwhelming feeling that the days of my youth were now finally over,” Christie said in a statement. “My condolences to Clarence’s family and all the members of the E Street Band.” Related Photos Clarence Clemons: A Career In Photos Related Artists Bruce Springsteen
Chris Marrs Piliero-directed clip features ‘Weeds’ actor Guillermo Diaz. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears in her “I Wanna Go” music video Photo: Jive Britney Spears proved her comedic chops on the small screen in her cameo on “How I Met Your Mother,” and now she’s once again displaying her funny bone in the video for “I Wanna Go,” which dropped Wednesday (June 22). Like he did with Ke$ha before, director Chris Marrs Piliero makes off-kilter pop culture references and pokes fun at the idea of the sexy pop star. There’s a number of Spears-related references, including a polka dot bikini top as an homage, perhaps, to Minnie Mouse, her skull-wearing Mickey Mouse ears T-shirt and a movie theater marquee that reads “Crossroads 2: Cross Harder.” Spears has touched on her relationship with the media in the past, but perhaps not with this much humor or self-deprecation. The video opens with a press conference, where reporters ask the superstar crazy questions such as, “Is it true you banned junk food, smiles, candy, sunshine and laughter from your Femme Fatale Tour?” The answer: Yes, obviously. “Can you confirm reports that you’re pregnant with Brad Pitt’s love child?” The answer: “That is false: It’s quintuplets.” Eventually annoyed by the onslaught of increasingly dumb questions, Britney declares, “F— you” to the reporters in the room. The only person who passes the test is “Weeds” and “Half Baked” star Guillermo Diaz, who is hanging out, wearing a hat that only the Burger King could love. She then dashes out onto the streets in her Avril Lavigne-worthy, pop-punk princess finest. It seems Britney has decided to live life on her own terms. She grabs the bum of an autograph-seeking fan. Then, she flashes a group of men, and as a cop tries to arrest her, she has her way with him right there on the street. Britney just doesn’t care anymore, and why should she? She’s finally having fun. Britney displays the sass and charm fans fell in love with a decade ago during performance shots, where she flirts with the camera, her eyes as big and wide as her smile. Fans are back with her as she makes her way around town and, of course, the paparazzi have found her. For one photographer, she gives an impromptu fashion shoot before smashing his camera. And when she finds herself surrounded by more of his cronies, she takes them out one by one with any singer’s best weapon: her microphone. There’s a surprising turn, however: As the mic slams itself against the photogs, pulling the skin off their bodies, it reveals that they are cyborgs, much to Brit’s dismay. So, what’s a girl to do? She’s rescued by Guillermo, who drives her through the desert. She dances in the car, wearing only a bikini top and miniskirt. And just when she thinks she’s safe, it’s revealed that he too is a cyborg. Can’t Brit ever catch a break? The video returns to the press conference, where the pop star awakes from a daydream and reveals, “Guillermo, I had the strangest dream.” “I love dreams,” he tells her. “And seashells,” he says, placing several in her hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” But, is Britney truly safe with Guillermo? In an homage to the final frame of Michael Jackson’s classic “Thriller” video, the clip closes with Diaz turning his head toward the camera to reveal his red, glowing robot eyes. Share your review of the “I Wanna Go” video in the comments below! Related Videos Britney Spears Battles The Paparazzi Playlist Related Artists Britney Spears
Jessica Simpson’s got a new fiance (Eric Johnson) and now a new job – as a celebrity mentor on NBC’s Fashion Star . Yep, that’s a real show. The 30-year-old’s singing career has petered out and her acting career never really took off, but her fashion line is remarkably successful. With a brand worth an estimated $750 million in 35 countries, Simpson will join Elle MacPherson in a search for the next big fashion brand . “NBC is delighted to work with singer, designer, actress and pop culture icon Jessica Simpson,” the network said in a statement. “With an almost billion dollar lifestyle brand under her belt she is sure to be an excellent mentor to our up-and-coming designers.” “I’m in the workroom in [L.A.’s] Westwood a few times a week from 11 to 7 at night,” says Simpson of her chic but affordable line. “Nothing goes out without me seeing it or my mom [Tina Simpson, Jess’ co-creative director] seeing it,” says the former Nick Lachey spouse. Fashion Star ‘s premiere date is TBA. [Photo: WENN.com]
Jessica Simpson’s got a new fiance (Eric Johnson) and now a new job – as a celebrity mentor on NBC’s Fashion Star . Yep, that’s a real show. The 30-year-old’s singing career has petered out and her acting career never really took off, but her fashion line is remarkably successful. With a brand worth an estimated $750 million in 35 countries, Simpson will join Elle MacPherson in a search for the next big fashion brand . “NBC is delighted to work with singer, designer, actress and pop culture icon Jessica Simpson,” the network said in a statement. “With an almost billion dollar lifestyle brand under her belt she is sure to be an excellent mentor to our up-and-coming designers.” “I’m in the workroom in [L.A.’s] Westwood a few times a week from 11 to 7 at night,” says Simpson of her chic but affordable line. “Nothing goes out without me seeing it or my mom [Tina Simpson, Jess’ co-creative director] seeing it,” says the former Nick Lachey spouse. Fashion Star ‘s premiere date is TBA. [Photo: WENN.com]
