Tag Archives: singer

Oprah Winfrey In Talks To Star In HBO Films’ ‘Ruined’

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Oprah Winfrey In Talks To Star In HBO Films’ ‘Ruined’

Winfrey would play madam at a brothel in war-torn Congo. By Jocelyn Vena Oprah Winfrey Photo: Soul Brother/ FilmMagic According to a new report, talk-show maven and pop culture tour de force Oprah Winfrey is considering a dramatic acting role. Deadline Hollywood reports that Winfrey is in talks to star in an HBO Films adaptation of Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Ruined.” Winfrey and Kate Forte will act as executive producers for the film, with the playwright adapting the script. The story follows Mama Nadi, a madam at a brothel in war-torn Congo. Nadi tries to keep herself and her women from getting into trouble with the government and rebel armies. Winfrey recently made a cameo on “30 Rock.” She has taken on dramatic roles in the past, including 1998’s “Beloved,” directed by Jonathan Demme, and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 drama “The Color Purple.” Winfrey is also attached to show her more comic side in a Michael Patrick King (“Sex and the City”) flick about the world of home shopping networks . Winfrey has also worked in film behind the scenes. She was one of the forces behind “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” and is working with HBO on an adaptation of “America: In the King Years,” based on the Taylor Branch books about Martin Luther King Jr. Winfrey will wrap up her 25-year run as the host of her talk show in September 2011 and will launch her new network, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in January 2011. “I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it’s time to say goodbye,” she said when she announced the end of her talk-show run. “Twenty-five years feels right in my bones, and it feels right in my spirit. It’s the perfect number — the exact right time. So I hope that you will take this 18-month ride with me right through to the final show.”

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Oprah Winfrey In Talks To Star In HBO Films’ ‘Ruined’

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Avril Lavigne’s Goodbye Lullaby Due Out In March

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Avril Lavigne’s Goodbye Lullaby Due Out In March

Singer will debut first single, “What the Hell,” on New Year’s Eve. By Gil Kaufman Avril Lavigne Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images Avril Lavigne fans have been waiting patiently for the follow-up to 2007’s The Best Damn Thing, and after two years of recording and delays, they will finally get their reward. Lavigne’s fourth studio album, Goodbye Lullaby, is slated for release on March 8, 2011. The disc will feature collaborations with producer/songwriter Butch Walker and pop mastermind Max Martin as well as her former guitarist Evan Taubenfeld and ex-husband, Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley. Among the tracks slated for inclusion are “Smile,” described as a rocker that “expresses her gratitude for special people in her life,” an exploration of relationship dynamics called “Push,” the vulnerable ballad “Wish You Were Here,” a ’50s-girl-group-inspired tune called “Stop Standing There” and the title track, “Goodbye,” on which she “finds the strength to close one chapter of her life and move on to the next.” Lavigne is slated to debut the album’s first single, “What the Hell,” on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on December 31. She described the song on her website as “an unabashed embrace of fun and freedom.” After veering into a more pure pop sound on Best Damn Thing, the singer told Billboard earlier this year that her new album will have a “somewhat more raw” sound. While fans have likely been bummed out by the delay, Lavigne assured them that they were not nearly as frustrated as she’s been. In a harsh letter posted to her followers last month, she lashed out at unnamed label bosses for delaying the effort. “I’m done with my 4th record!!!” she announced on November 11. “Well, actually, I have been done for a year … and now my record company have finally decided to release it. OMG … How nice! Thanks guys … This has been a really difficult record for me to create and to release,” she wrote. “Not only is this the most meaningful and special record I have written, it is sincere, honest and close to my heart. But for the first time, I experienced a bunch of bureaucratic BS … People do their best work when they are doing what they want, love and is natural for them, not when you are forcing them to be something that they are not.” It’s not like Lavigne has been totally off the radar since her last album. She contributed the lead single “Alice” to the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” remake in March. She also appeared as a guest judge on “American Idol” earlier this year and made her dramatic big-screen debut in 2007’s “The Flock.” Are you looking forward to Avril’s new album? Tell us in the comments. Related Artists Avril Lavigne

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Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Company Worth Nearly $1 Billion

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Company Worth Nearly $1 Billion

Ex-‘Newlyweds’ star’s growing empire had retail sales of $750 million in 2010. By Jocelyn Vena Jessica Simpson Photo: Jamie McCarthy/ Getty Images Jessica Simpson may be less active on the music scene these days, but the singer has been quietly building a fashion empire. Women’s Wear Daily reports that Simpson is the face and boss of a nearly $1 billion business. According to the report , Simpson’s lines — which include shoes, accessories, denim, swimwear, watches and fragrances — have seen a combined gross of $750 million in retail sales this year. So, what’s the secret to her success? “People like her,” said Vince Camuto, founder and CEO of Camuto Group, the main licensee of her merchandise, of the recently engaged star . “People look at her as a style icon.” And Simpson shows no signs of slowing down. For fall 2011, the singer is launching a contemporary sportswear line that will include separates and dresses in the $39 to $129 price range; it will be available in more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The singer explained, “This new sportswear line reflects my evolving style, which combines comfort, femininity and flirty fun.” While Simpson hasn’t announced any plans to start designing bridal gowns, she’s currently planning her wedding to ex-football player Eric Johnson . “We have not started planning,” Simpson said recently. “I’m trying to get through all this promotion [for my Christmas album]. … Who knows what will happen?” Describing the upcoming ceremony as “simple,” Simpson added that she wanted to be married by Christmas 2011. “I personally have no idea. I have not set a date and I can’t even think about putting together, like, table settings and all that,” she said. “We’re just going to enjoy the engagement and we’ll get married the moment we feel like it.” What do you think of Jessica’s fashion empire? Do you swear by her products? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Empire Related Artists Jessica Simpson

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Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Company Worth Nearly $1 Billion

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Justin Timberlake Injury Delays Filming On Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Now’

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Justin Timberlake Injury Delays Filming On Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Now’

The movie will be on hiatus until singer/actor’s muscle injury heals. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Timberlake (file) Photo: Christian Petersen/ Getty Images Last week, Justin Timberlake was spotted on crutches after sustaining an injury on the set of his sci-fi thriller “Now.” And now, more details are emerging about what happened to the singer/actor when he attempted to do his own stunts on the set of the Amanda Seyfried and Olivia Wilde co-starring flick. Sources say they “heard a pop” in Timberlake’s leg, and E! News confirmed that Timberlake’s injury has temporarily shut down production on the film. A rep for the studio said in a statement, “Justin Timberlake sustained a muscle injury to his calf on the set of Andrew Niccol’s thriller ‘Now.’ Production has taken a brief hiatus and will resume shortly.” A set source told the website that the shutdown should last about two weeks. “He hasn’t heard anything about the MRI results,” the source added. “But they’re freezing production until he’s off crutches and able to act again.” Timberlake was spotted at the Arclight theater in Hollywood for a “Social Network” Q&A session last Thursday, and he seemed to be having trouble walking. The session took place shortly after he was injured. Timberlake has been making waves as an actor as of late thanks to his roles in “The Social Network” and “Friends With Benefits,” which also features Mila Kunis and Emma Stone. “I gotta tell you, breaking up with Justin Timberlake is really fun,” Stone recently told MTV News . “It’s a feel-good time. He’s such a nice, funny guy. It was really fun. We had a good time.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos Acting, Log-Rolling, Quilting: Justin Timberlake Can Do It All Related Artists Justin Timberlake

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Justin Timberlake Injury Delays Filming On Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Now’

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Adam Lambert Reacts to Grammy Nomination

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Adam Lambert Reacts to Grammy Nomination

Adam Lambert was awoken by something a lot more exciting than his regular cup of coffee last week: a phone call that informed him of a Grammy nomination for the single “Whataya Want From Me.” “I was so excited,” the singer tells The Hollywood Reporter of his reaction after learning he was up for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. “After our call, I saw that a bunch of friends and family had texted and written emails.” Lambert is up against Michael Bubl

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Ryan Seacrest Promises A ‘Wild Animal’ On ‘American Idol’ Panel

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Ryan Seacrest Promises A ‘Wild Animal’ On ‘American Idol’ Panel

‘There will be a wild animal in one of the seats,’ host tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Audrey Kim Ryan Seacrest Photo: MTV News The next season of “American Idol” will see Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler at the judges’ table alongside “Idol” vet Randy Jackson. Fans might expect both Lopez and Tyler to be wild cards in terms of judging the show, but the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, recently explained that someone on the panel is completely out of control. “We added a wild animal to the panel. There will be a wild animal in one of the seats,” Seacrest told MTV News at KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2010 in Los Angeles over the weekend, not specifying who that person is. “I can’t tell you which wild animal, but it was one that was on the ark. So that’s something that’s new. Yes, there’s a total animal.” Sure, the new judges are one reason to tune in to the coming season, but Seacrest is talking up the talent as well, giving the contestants two thumbs up. “The contestants that we found — we brought more kids back to Hollywood than ever before, there’s like 240 of them, so I think we’ve got a really good shot to find some fantastic [talent],” he explained. Lopez recently opened up about joining the juggernaut of a series, explaining that she’s really enjoying her place alongside Tyler and Jackson. “I love everybody,” she said. “It’s such a machine. It runs like clockwork. I love [executive producer] Nigel [Lythgoe]. I love Ryan [Seacrest]. I love Steven [Tyler]. I love Randy [Jackson]. Everything’s great!” While she’s managing to get along with everyone, judging people is a bit difficult for the singer/actress. “It’s easy when they’re really good and it’s easy when they’re really bad,” she said. “It’s when they’re in the middle. … It’s a really hard process. It just depends how you are in the audition. I think it is a good depiction of how the business is. I think it’s just fast-forward.” 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’ Announces Its Season 10 Judges!

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Ryan Seacrest Promises A ‘Wild Animal’ On ‘American Idol’ Panel

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Jennifer Lopez Dishes On ‘Most Fascinating People’ Interview With Barbara Walters

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Jennifer Lopez Dishes On ‘Most Fascinating People’ Interview With Barbara Walters

Star credits ‘American Idol’ gig, new music and motherhood with landing her a spot on annual list. By James Dinh Jennifer Lopez Photo: WireImage Thanks to the upcoming season of “American Idol,” an impending new album and recently announced endorsement deals, Jennifer Lopez ‘s career is seeing a resurgence. So it’s no surprise that the pop star, who spent recent years lying low to raise her twins alongside husband Marc Anthony, nabbed a spot on Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People of 2010” list. Speaking with WWD , Lopez credited her inclusion on the celeb hot list to a combination of personal and professional endeavors including “the ‘American Idol’ [deal to appear as a judge] and also being a mom and entering back in the scene with the album.” The singer also admitted that she felt the pressure from the news correspondent during the interview, which airs Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. WWD joked with the singer/actress about whether Walters asked her questions like “What kind of tree are you?” She replied, “She didn’t ask me that, but she did ask me some kind of an abstract question like that, where I was like, ‘You’re Barbara Walter-ing me right now!’ ” Lopez, who joins Steven Tyler on the “Idol” judging panel this season, has also been chosen as the new face for L’Or

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Hayley Williams Calls ‘VH1 Divas’ Performance ‘Humbling’

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Hayley Williams Calls ‘VH1 Divas’ Performance ‘Humbling’

‘I want to do it again,’ singer tells MTV News of performing for the troops. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Audrey Kim Hayley Williams Photo: Angela Weiss/ Getty Images Hayley Williams proved that she’s one of the new-millennium divas when she belted out Paramore’s “The Only Exception” and a cover of the Foo Fighters’ hit “My Hero” from Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. She and her bandmates entertained the troops there on Friday for “VH1 Divas Salute the Troops,” which aired Sunday night. When MTV News caught up with the rocking frontwoman at KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2010 in Los Angeles on Sunday, she admitted that performing for the troops had definitely been on the band’s bucket list. “Well, that was the first time we’d ever experienced anything like that,” she explained. “It was so humbling, and I want to do it again.” The band has a special connection to the troops, since a few of their friends have been deployed. “We’ve been waiting since our band started,” she said. “Especially Jeremy [Davis], our bass player, he’s had friends over there since the band started since he was out of high school. So it’s just really important for us to show them they’re remembered and give them a night just to hang out.” Her “Airplanes” collaborator B.o.B, who was with Williams at Jingle Ball, seemed equally excited by the group’s smashing performance. “Everybody gotta enjoy rock and roll. Shout-outs to Jeremy!” he exclaimed. “What up, man!” The VH1 Divas night also included performances from the Marine Corps air hangar in San Diego by Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj , Sugarland, Keri Hilson and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Almost all of the ladies hit the stage for the night’s big opening number, a new take on the classic war tune “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Related Videos Performances At ‘VH1 Divas Salute The Troops’ Related Photos Fashions At ‘VH1 Divas Salute The Troops’ 2010 Jingle Ball Kicks Off In Los Angeles Related Artists Paramore

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Hayley Williams Calls ‘VH1 Divas’ Performance ‘Humbling’

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Rick Ross Praises Keri Hilson’s ‘The Way You Love Me’ Video

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on Rick Ross Praises Keri Hilson’s ‘The Way You Love Me’ Video

Hilson’s video co-star compares the racy clip to Janet Jackson’s ‘Control.’ By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Audrey Kim Keri Hilson Photo: Jason LaVeris/ WireImage Keri Hilson may have stirred things up with her steamy “The Way You Love Me,” but her video co-star, Rick Ross, is giving props to the clip, comparing it to Janet Jackson’s “Control.” “When I got the record, I most definitely knew she was going to another level and I was excited for her,” Ross told MTV News. “I love to see the creative side. She’s a sexy female and I think she showed that. When I think of Janet Jackson when I was coming up and she was doing her Control thing, I loved it. So if that’s the feeling that young people [are getting] or whoever is feeling the music, if that’s the inspiration they get, I think it’s dope.” “The Way You Love Me” premiered online last week and immediately drew attention for its explicit lyrics and the limited amount of clothing — bikini and boots — Hilson wore. Directed by veteran choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson (Diddy’s “Making the Band”), the NSFW video made some fans cry foul over Hilson’s unladylike moves. Others, meanwhile, praised the singer for her forward-thinking boldness. In an interview with gossip hound Perez Hilton, Hilson defended the “The Way You Love Me” clip, calling the video “racy” but in line with the perspective of her forthcoming album. “You know what? If you put it in context with my album, my album is called No Boys Allowed but really it means no bullsh– allowed,” she said. “In this album, I was screaming in a room — just like I was screaming in the song — I was screaming in a room with all my girlfriends, yelling all the sh– we really say.” No Boys Allowed hits stores on December 21. Related Artists Keri Hilson Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)

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THG Caption Contest Winner: December 3

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on THG Caption Contest Winner: December 3

In this past weekend’s edition of THG’s Caption Contest , we asked readers to come up with the best one for this photo of Justin Bieber blowing . There was plenty of material to be found, no matter how you feel about the singer. Our winner is VintageDoll88 . Congratulations and well done! Honorable mentions go out to jeanne, d-bo419 and Ryan Montana . Thanks to all for playing and best of luck in the next THG Caption Contest … Justin Bieber gives off sign #5 that he was really born a girl.

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