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Lady Gaga Named Billboard’s Artist Of The Year

Gaga becomes just the seventh woman ever to take home the magazine’s highest honor, which she dedicates to her fans. By James Montgomery Lady Gaga Photo: Getty Images On Thursday, Lady Gaga capped off a tremendous 2010 by being named Billboard magazine’s Artist of the Year, becoming only the seventh woman ever to take home the honor since the magazine began handing it out in 1981. And in true testament to her meteoric rise to the top of the charts, Gaga’s Artist of the Year nod comes just one year after she was named Billboard ‘s Top New Artist, making her only the third act ever — after Chris Brown and Whitney Houston — to accomplish that feat. Gaga beat out heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Eminem and Lady Antebellum to take home Artist of the Year, which, according to Billboard, was bestowed upon her “thanks in part to the chart performance of her first two albums, The Fame and The Fame Monster, which rank at numbers 4 and 13 on the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums … [and] four singles from that album, [which] appear on the Hot 100 Songs roundup, led by ‘Bad Romance’ at number 8.” The other women previously named the mag’s Artist of the Year are Swift (2009), LeAnn Rimes (1997), Alanis Morissette (1996), Mariah Carey (1991), Houston (1986) and Madonna (1985). The Billboard honor comes exactly one week after Gaga picked up six Grammy nominations , and early Friday morning, she took to her Twitter account — remember, she had been digitally dead for nearly a week — to dedicate her accolades to her fans. “Monsters have 6 Grammy nominations and Billboard award [for] ‘Artist of the Year,’ ” she wrote. “Thank you for fighting for artistic freedom and self-invention.” Related Photos The Evolution Of: Lady Gaga Related Artists Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga Named Billboard’s Artist Of The Year

Rihanna Bested By Susan Boyle, Jackie Evancho On Billboard 200

Two “Talent” show singers top the charts, while Rihanna’s Loud debuts at #3. By Gil Kaufman Rihanna Photo: Matt Harper/ MTV News Though it’s an American holiday, Thanksgiving must be turning into Susan Boyle ‘s favorite. After setting records last week with her second album, The Gift, former “Britain’s Got Talent” runner-up Boyle will retain the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart next week thanks to sales of another 335,000 copies, and despite challenges from nine new competitors, according to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan. Last week, Boyle became the first woman, and only other artist besides the Beatles and the Monkees, to land two straight #1 albums within a calendar year in both England and the U.S. She retains the crown as another reality singer from a Simon Cowell-produced show, 10-year-old “America’s Got Talent” runner-up Jackie Evancho , comes in just behind with her debut EP, O Holy Night (#2, 239,000). That means Rihanna has to settle for a #3 debut for her fifth album, Loud, which sold 207,000 copies. It marked her best U.S. chart sales debut to date, besting the #4 bow of last year’s Rated R, which came in with sales of 181,000. She leads a parade of new names in the top 10 which also includes Josh Groban ‘s Rick Rubin-produced Illuminations (#4, 191,000), Kid Rock ‘s Rubin-produced Born Free (#5, 189,000), Rascal Flatts ‘ Nothing Like This (#6, 165,000), Keith Urban ‘s Get Closer (#7, 162,000), the “Glee” Christmas album (#8, 161,000) and Nelly ‘s 5.0 (#10, 63,000). The only other hold-over from last week’s top 10 is Taylor Swift , whose Speak Now figures dropped by more than 30 percent to 146,000 as her first month of sales crossed the 1.7 million mark. Pink ‘s greatest-hits collection, Greatest Hits So Far! , comes in at #14 (53,000), just beating out the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ‘s Darkness on the Edge of Town outtakes collection The Promise (#16, 47,000). Season nine “American Idol” winner Lee DeWyze set a new record for “Idol” champs, just not the kind he probably wanted. His first major-label effort, Live It Up, is officially the poorest-selling debut from an “Idol” champ in history, notching a lowly #19 chart bow on anemic sales of 39,000. The title was previously held by season-eight winner Kris Allen, whose debut hit the charts in 2009 at #11 on sales of 80,000. It was a very rough second week for Kid Cudi , whose Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager plummets nearly 80 percent to #21 on sales of 34,000, while Eminem ‘s Recovery drops 12 spots to #23 while holding steady on sales at 34,000 and crossing the 3 million mark. It was also a big comedown for Cee Lo , as his solo album The Lady Killer nosedives 30 spots to #39 after sales shriveled by 40 percent to 25,000. Despite selling 2 million digital tracks and 450,000 digital albums in their iTunes coming-out party, the Beatles have only one album in the top 50, with Abbey Road slipping in at #50 (19,000). Thirteen other digital albums chart in the lower regions of the top 200. The Fab Four are having better luck on the iTunes album chart, where Abbey Road comes in at #6 and a special box set closes out the tally at #10. But it is all Rihanna on that chart, as Loud holds the #1 slot, followed by the “Glee” Christmas album, Rascal Flatts, A Day to Remember ‘s What Separates Me From You, Urban, Swift, Groban and Kanye West ‘s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. iTunes doesn’t release sales figures, but “Glee” rules the singles countdown thanks to guest Gwyneth Paltrow’s cover of Cee Lo’s “Forget You,” followed by Ke$ha ‘s “We R Who We R,” Cee Lo’s own sanitized version of his profane hit single, Katy Perry ‘s “Firework,” Pink’s “Raise Your Glass” and the “Glee” cast’s recording of “Singing in the Rain/Umbrella.” The rest of the singles chart includes #7 song “What’s My Name?” by Rihanna and Drake , the Black Eyed Peas ‘ “The Time (Dirty Bit),” Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” and Far East Movement ‘s “Like a G6.” Things will get shuffled all over again next week with chart debuts from Kanye, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, My Chemical Romance, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z, Akon, Alan Jackson, Ke$ha and the “Burlesque” soundtrack. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Rihanna Related Photos Rihanna and Ke$ha Perform At Madison Square Garden Related Artists Rihanna Susan Boyle

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Rihanna Bested By Susan Boyle, Jackie Evancho On Billboard 200

Nicki Minaj’s ‘Right Through Me’ Is Huge, Birdman Says

Cash Money CEO thinks leaked single will take singer to ‘another level.’ By Jayson Rodriguez Baby Photo: MTV News So far, Nicki Minaj is batting .500 when it comes to her singles. The over-hyped “Massive Attack” faded faster than a narcoleptic, and her tame (by Barbiez standards) “Your Love” landed atop the Billboard Rap Songs chart. However, Cash Money co-founder Bryan “Birdman/Baby” Williams thinks “Right Through Me,” which leaked online Wednesday , will take the Lil Wayne prot

Chris Brown Announces Fame Album Title

The singer reveals follow-up to 2009’s Graffiti By Mawuse Ziegbe Chris Brown Photo: Getty Images Chris Brown has had some very public personal struggles but the Virginia crooner isn’t shying away from the spotlight on his next album. The singer has announced that the title of his follow-up to 2009’s Graffiti will be Fame. “I’m putting out singles a lot right now, so everything’s coming together. But I’m definitely going to say this and plug it quick. The name of my album is Fame so make sure you check it out,” Brown said when he recently played radio host on 102.3 The Beat in Austin, Texas. According to some reports , the title references a “Fame” tattoo the singer sports on his arm. The singer also urged fans to look out for the singles “Yeah 3X,” a high-energy track infused with chirpy techno rhythms, and “Calypso” which he tweeted about in early September. “I’m trying to get everything together, figure out what I’m [going to] do with the album,” he explained. Brown has been making a lot of moves on the music scene in recently. His single with Young Money spitter Tyga, “Deuces,” topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. He has also appeared on Chicago O.G. Twista’s “Make a Movie” and revamped Nicki Minaj’s “Your Love.” Breezy’s “Deuces” collaborator Kevin McCall recently dished about some of the singer’s new songs, including the “Rest of My Life” and “Another You,” in which the R&B star tries out another musical direction. “We’re going to keep working on new stuff from here. That kid’s got a lot of records so it’s tough picking out cuts. It’s really new right now,” McCall said. “The song ‘Another You’ is country. It’s like Hootie and the Blowfish, so it should be something different, something new and fresh.” Are you looking forward to Chris Brown’s new music? Let us know in the comments below! Related Videos MTV News Track-By-Track: Chris Brown’s ‘Graffiti’ Related Artists Chris Brown

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Chris Brown Announces Fame Album Title

Will B.o.B’s ‘Airplanes’ Soar Past Rival Video Of The Year Nominees?

ATL MC and Hayley Williams, who shot brooding clip without ever meeting, will perform the smash at VMAs on September 12. By Jayson Rodriguez B.o.B in his music video for “Airplanes” Photo: Rebel Rock B.o.B has racked up a bevy of hits from his freshman effort, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, but so far the Atlanta upstart’s awards haul doesn’t match his Billboard tally. Maybe his luck will change at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards? Among his five chances to score a Moonman on September 12, the melodic MC will vie for the night’s biggest prize, the coveted Video of the Year award for his Hiro Murai-directed “Airplanes.” If the clip wins, it certainly would have one of the more unique backstories of late. B.o.B and the song’s guest, Paramore’s Hayley Williams , actually shot their parts separately at two different times (scheduling conflicts caused them to spread the production over three months); the pair also recorded the song at different times as well. In fact, the two artists — labelmates at Atlantic Records — will meet for the first time during the VMAs when they perform “Airplanes” together for the first time. Despite the fact that B.o.B and Williams don’t appear in any scenes together, visually they deliver just as well as they do vocally on the smash single. The dark tone of the record is represented in the clip. Light is used sparingly throughout the video, as B.o.B’s punching lyrics about fortitude cut deep. Production for the video was done in an abandoned warehouse and a dead-open space, which underscore elements of the song’s lyrics, particularly the themes of emptiness. Williams can be seen in CGI-like Polaroid photos, generated from a rave of lurking party-goers; the singer’s image flashes across the pictures. B.o.B’s defiant lyrics are in contrast to the subtle cues in the clip, creating a visual marriage that’s as powerful as any of the other nominated candidates. And he certainly seemed to think so. The rapper was excited about his nominations when he spoke to MTV News. In particular, B.o.B was ecstatic about being recognized for accomplishments that reach beyond his chart-topping hits. “It’s very special to me. I think it’s a lot more special than the success of the singles, because this reflects the work I’ve put in over the years and the word of mouth I’ve helped create,” he said. “It’s definitely amazing. I’m trying to find the words to explain it, but I can’t. It’s inexplicable. I’m a real simple man, so, you know, I accept every gift with generosity and gratitude.” What’s your favorite B.o.B video? Tell us your pick — and why — in the comments! The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12. The party starts with MTV News’ VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through September 12.

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Will B.o.B’s ‘Airplanes’ Soar Past Rival Video Of The Year Nominees?

B.o.B Works His ‘Magic’ For ‘MTV Unplugged’ — Watch A Preview!

Atlanta MC is also joined by Robin Thicke and Janelle Mon

Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew wins YOG table tennis

Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew cleared the first stage to advance to the round of 16 of the Girls#39; and Boys#39; Singles respectively. Table tennis action kicked off on Saturday and there was a good showing by Singapore#39;s paddlers at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). They have already played their first match in the round of 16 on Saturday and will continue with their second and third opponents on Sunday. In their first match in the round of 16, Li lost to Korean Yang Ha Eun 0-3, while Chew

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Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew wins YOG table tennis

Lloyd Banks Recruits Tony Yayo, Lloyd For ‘Any Girl’ Video

The G-Unit MC says his latest video is inspired by the ’90s flick ‘How to Be a Player.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Shaheem Reid Lloyd and Lloyd Banks Photo: G-Unit Lloyd Banks is taking it back to the jiggy era for his latest video. The G-Unit MC told MTV News that his newest clip, “Any Girl,” is inspired by the ’90s comedy “How to Be a Player.” In the movie, a slick womanizer — played by former MTV VJ Bill Bellamy — juggles his many conquests. “Any Girl” shows Banks trying not to get caught in his web of women. “I’m running through my day-to-day going to see a few of my girls. I got a white girl, I got [a] Spanish girl, a black girl and I’m going to basically lie to them and tell them how much I love them and how much I want to see them,” Banks explained. However, after spending time maneuvering through his ladies, the MC has to eventually face the music. “The girl who’s playing my sister, she’s actually setting me up and she has these same girls coming to see me at the party.” Fellow G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo makes a cameo in the video. He said that even though the visuals are inspired by a film, Banks has plenty of personal experience to pull from. “Banks is … a player for real,” said Yayo. “It’s really his real life story.” Banks isn’t the only ladies man in the video; singer Lloyd also pops up in the clip. The MC broke down how the collaboration came together and said Lloyd wasted no time putting his soulful touch on the track. “He … flew into New York [and] knocked out the record in like 15, 20 minutes,” Banks revealed. The G-Unit rapper said the pair shared a similar hunger to make a memorable collabo. “His work ethic is incredible. He was actually independent at the time so … it was no restraints. It was like, ‘Let’s go!’ ” Lloyd’s studio grind may have impressed musical peers such as Banks, but the crooner maintained that he puts in the work for the fans. “It’s about making the best music for people to listen to,” the singer said. “It’s about entertaining the consumers and ultimately, for me, it’s about connecting.” What are you expecting from the new Lloyd Banks video? Let us know in the comments below! Related Artists Lloyd Banks Lloyd

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Lloyd Banks Recruits Tony Yayo, Lloyd For ‘Any Girl’ Video

Kanye West’s ‘Power’ Video Is Unlike ‘Anything,’ Jason Derulo Says

‘Those videos are very interesting, actually,’ VMA-nominated singer says of West’s and Eminem’s latest clips. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Audrey Kim Jason Derulo Photo: MTV News Last week, Kanye West and Eminem released two equally powerful, albeit very different, music videos, for their singles “Power” and “Love the Way You Lie,” respectively. And while Eminem relied on some heavyweight cameos from Megan Fox, Rihanna and Dominic Monaghan to tell his story, West relied on artistic visuals , created with the help of director Marco Brambilla, for what he described as a “painting.” “Those videos are very interesting, actually,” “In My Head” singer Jason Derulo and VMA nominee told MTV News on Sunday at the Teen Choice Awards . “I watched the Kanye video and I thought that was very different to anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s not actually video. It’s almost like a moving painting. I thought that was really cool.” Derulo’s feelings on West’s “Power” mirrored that of something the rapper himself tweeted last week when the video premiered: “IT’S NOT A VIDEO . . . IT’S A PAINTING!!! So, with West’s video acting as a visual mind trip, what did Derulo think of Em’s darker, more cinematic video starring two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces and one of pop’s most unique voices? Well, the ladies stood out the most for him. “I thought Rihanna looked great in the ‘Lie’ video,” he praised. “Megan Fox looked awesome too. Eminem always does it.” Which video left more of a mark on you, Kanye’s or Eminem’s? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Jason Derulo Kanye West

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Kanye West’s ‘Power’ Video Is Unlike ‘Anything,’ Jason Derulo Says

Beach Boys’ Label Threatens Suit Over Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’

Threat comes after both writers of the original ‘California Girls’ praised Perry’s song. By Gil Kaufman Katy Perry Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ WireImage Katy Perry is having an epic summer thanks to her smash hit “California Gurls,” which has sold more than 3 million copies already and topped the singles charts for weeks. But the soon-to-be-wed pop star and Rolling Stone cover girl may end up sharing some of the proceeds from that track with the pop icons who first sang the praises of West Coast beauties. According to the New York Post , representatives for the Beach Boys are threatening to sue Perry for including the classic line “I wish they all could be California girls” in her tune. The line is lifted from the Boys’ 1965 rock classic “California Girls,” and the paper reported that publishing reps at the Boys’ Rondor Music have sent a letter to Perry’s label demanding that the original song’s writers, Mike Love and Brian Wilson, be given a writing credit on “Gurls” as well as a share of royalties. Spokespeople for Perry and the Beach Boys could not be reached for comment by MTV News at press time. An unnamed recording industry source reportedly told the paper: “Rondor Music has sent a letter to Capitol on behalf of Mike Love and Brian Wilson, saying Katy has cribbed one of the most famous lyrics in history, so Love and Wilson should be entitled to a writing credit and a portion of the royalties.” The iconic line is rapped by Snoop Dogg near the end of Perry’s song (“California girls, man/ I wish they all could be California Girls”), which, ironically, was recently praised by Love. “The subject matter is still in vogue — just ask Katy Perry. I think the part she did is pretty cool. There are a lot of writers on it, and I think it’s probably a stroke of genius to have the king of canine cool, Mr. [Snoop] Dogg, do his thing. But I think her creative part, her musical part, is pretty hooky. I think it brings the Beach Boys’ 1965 classic to mind, that’s for sure,” Love told Billboard. Wilson has called the song “infectious.” Sources reportedly told the Post that Wilson and Love asked Rondor to send the letter, but spokespeople for the musicians said it was Rondor’s decision. “Rondor owns the track and called Brian and Mike, saying they were going to complain. Brian likes Katy’s record and doesn’t know where the situation stands,” according to Wilson’s rep, while Love’s rep added, “Mike and Brian wrote the song … but any legal action is up to Rondor.” Related Photos Concept Art For Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ Related Artists Katy Perry The Beach Boys

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Beach Boys’ Label Threatens Suit Over Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’