Tag Archives: songs

Katy Perry AMA Performance: Did "Firework" Fizzle?

We love Katy Perry personally and think some of her songs are really catchy, but her live singing skills were a bit suspect at the American Music Awards. It’s hard to watch her rendition of “Firework” (below) and not think that, but that’s just our opinion. What do you think? Did she knock it out of the park? In her defense, at least she TRIED to sing live, which is more than we can say for some of the no-talent hacks who masquerade as musicians. Also, the boys’ choir was a nice touch, and that tear-away dress? An even nicer touch … Katy Perry: Firework (Live at the AMAs)

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Katy Perry AMA Performance: Did "Firework" Fizzle?

Ne-Yo Promises ‘Theatrical’ AMA Performance

Singer says four-song set will ‘pretty much tell the full story of [his album] Libra Scale. ‘ By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Matt Elias Ne-Yo Photo: MTV News When Ne-Yo hits the stage at the American Music Awards on Sunday, the singer/songwriter will have some big promises to fulfill. MTV News caught up with the Libra Scale crooner on Friday during the rehearsals for the main event, and he said his upcoming set will be more than just the typical song-and-dance routine. “The performance for the AMAs is gonna be a bit more theatrical than just getting onstage and singing a song and having some dancers back you up,” Ne-Yo said. He added that the performance will incorporate many of the concepts found on his forthcoming effort. “There’s a storyline that flows through the entire album,” he said. “So we’re basically trying to take the story of Libra Scale and summarize it into about four minutes and put it on stage for you.” While he didn’t give up too many details, the songsmith did break down the set list, which includes a spankin’ new track from Libra. “What I will say is that we’re gonna be doing a medley. There’s four songs in total in this whole four-minute performance. We go from ‘Champagne Life’ into ‘One in a Million’ into one of the … newer songs off the album called ‘Telekinesis’ into, of course, ‘Beautiful Monster’ to end it all off,” he said. Ne-Yo also hoped to turn the performance into a sales boost. “Through these four songs we have figured out a way to pretty much tell the full story of Libra Scale ,” he said. “Or leave people just intrigued enough to go get the album when it comes out.” As an AMA vet, Ne-Yo was also looking forward to not only throwing down on stage, but just checking out the star-packed event and enjoying himself. “One of the cool things about the AMAs is the fact that there’s so many different genres crammed into one fantastic night,” he said. “You can get a little bit of R&B, a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of country. Me being a person that’s very versatile in my musical choices and tastes, this is the perfect show for me. I enjoy coming. This is my … fourth or fifth time and it never gets old. I’m gonna have a good time.” What are you expecting from Ne-Yo’s performance at the AMAs? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Ne-Yo’s 2010 American Music Awards Rehearsal Related Artists Ne-Yo

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Ne-Yo Promises ‘Theatrical’ AMA Performance

Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Katy Perry Pick Up Platinum Certifications

Releases by Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, B.o.B, Bruno Mars also recognized by recording-industry organization RIAA. By James Montgomery Justin Bieber Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images On Wednesday, the Recording Industry Association of America handed out their latest round of gold and platinum certifications … and if your name was Ke$ha or Justin Bieber, well, then it was a very good day for you. Ke$ha’s Animal was certified gold (meaning it passed the 500,000-sales mark) and a spate of her digital singles went multiplatinum, with “Tik Tok” being downloaded more than 5 million times and “Your Love Is My Drug” racking up another 2 million. “Blah Blah Blah” and “Take It Off” both were certified gold, meaning that, all told, she’s sold more than 8.5 million downloads to date. Bieber earned his first-ever multiplatinum award, as the RIAA certified sales of his My World 2.0 album at more than 2 million copies. “Baby,” his team-up with Ludacris, also was certified as double platinum. Wednesday also was a great day to be the Black Eyed Peas, as their massive tune “I Gotta Feeling” was certified 6-times platinum (that’s more than 6 million downloads) — making it the RIAA’s highest-ever digital-song certification. Following (somewhat) close behind the Peas were the likes of Katy Perry, B.o.B, Taio Cruz and Rihanna, who had their respective mega singles “California Gurls,” “Airplanes,” “Break Your Heart” and “Don’t Stop the Music” certified as triple platinum. Perry and Rihanna also each picked up a double-platinum certification — for “Teenage Dream” and “Rude Boy,” respectively — bringing their total hauls to more than 5 million units sold. The Bruno Mars track “Just the Way You Are” was certified platinum, giving the crooner his very first solo plaque. B.o.B’s “Magic” and former “American Idol” champ Kris Allen’s “Live Like We’re Dying” also picked up platinum certifications. Related Artists Justin Bieber Ke$ha Katy Perry

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Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Katy Perry Pick Up Platinum Certifications

Jay-Z Talks Tupac, Beyonce During Charlie Rose Interview

Rapper chided veteran talk-show host for mispronouncing Tupac’s name. By Jayson Rodriguez Jay-Z Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images BROOKLYN — Jay-Z’s new book, “Decoded,” may be about translating the lyrics in his songs, but when the iconic MC sat down with talk-show host Charlie Rose, he promised to “decode” everything. Rose interviewed the rapper on Thursday before an audience at the Brooklyn Museum for a future episode of his PBS program, and the pair touched on much more than music. With Beyonc

Akon Won’t Release Unfinished Michael Jackson Tracks

‘Hold My Hand’ was done, but the rest are ‘just ideas, concepts, harmonies … I wouldn’t want to put it out unfinished,’ Akon tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino Akon Photo: MTV News Akon’s inspirational track with Michael Jackson, “Hold My Hand,” was released as the official first single from Jackson’s posthumous album,

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Akon Won’t Release Unfinished Michael Jackson Tracks

Gift Ideas For 2010’s Apple Addicts

Before Black Friday MTV Multiplayer sorts through the best tech goodies and games. By Russ Frushtick iPod Nano Photo: Apple/ MTV News With the start of the holiday shopping season looming, MTV’s Multiplayer blog is helping you sort through the loads of goodies lining shelves this year. On Wednesday, we focused on games to watch out for this holiday, and here we’re focusing on what to get the Apple people in your life. You know Apple people; they’re the ones who complain about having to use a Windows computer at work and who wear the latest iPod on their front lapel like it’s a pocket square. Thankfully, there are plenty of gifts this holiday season for the Mac-minded, with a wide range in price points, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding them the perfect thing to gloat about. The Stocking Stuffers If you’re not looking to break the bank, there’s a new version of the iPod Shuffle which comes with 2GB of storage space and is about the size of a postage stamp. At $49, it makes for a good Secret Santa option and is a great gift for runners, since it’s able to clip on to any piece of clothing. Of course, another cheap alterative, if you’re concerned that an iPod might be too personal, is just to get an iTunes gift card. They come in a variety of denominations and Apple sells holiday-themed cards in their stores. This is a solid option if you know someone already has an iPhone or an iPod Touch, since they can use it for apps, games, music or movies. The Mid-Range If you’re comfortable spending a little more dough (or you’re not the one paying), there’s also a new version of the iPod Nano which starts at $150 for an 8GB model, though the 16GB for $180 is the smarter buy. The new Nano uses the same touch screen technology found on the iPhone, so you can swipe through your songs, but it’s only slightly larger than the new Shuffle, which makes it perfect for morning commutes. It too has a clip, allowing you to stick it anywhere. And then there’s the top-of-the-line iPod, the new iPod Touch. It has the same functionality as the iPhone 4, but without the service plan. It can still handle video chat, though, and has a higher resolution screen than past models. The new iPod Touch starts at $229 for the 8GB model and can act as a fallback computer, presuming you have WiFi. Great for gamers, too, since it’ll run all the games on the App Store swimmingly. The High End You’ve likely heard all about the iPad (starting at $499), and if you’re buying something for a big anniversary (or you’re feeling really guilty), it’s sure to get the response you’re looking for. It’s also great for people that travel, as the battery life can get you from New York to L.A. and back again on a single charge. And then there’s the MacBook Air, which starts at $999 for the 11 inch model. Razor thin at the edge and coming in at just over 2 pounds, the Air is small enough to fit in a messenger bag and make you forget it’s even in there. It’s as powerful as the standard MacBooks from just a year ago, and so long as you’re not doing intensive video or photo editing, it can handle day-to-day work like a pro. An added bonus: It’s so small, you don’t need to take it out of your bag at the airport. Yep, the TSA gave it a pass. Unfortunately, that pass doesn’t apply to you and your baggy pants. Tune in to Multiplayer.MTV.com on Friday, as we’ll be looking at the latest gaming headsets and gear to help make your winter break an unproductive one!

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Gift Ideas For 2010’s Apple Addicts

Sarah Palin Slams ‘American Idol’ For Hosting ‘Talent Deprived’ Contestants

In her upcoming memoir, the former vice-presidential candidate labels unskilled ‘Idol’ competitors ‘victims of the cult of self-esteem.’ By Nuzhat Naoreen Sarah Palin Photo: Jewel Samad/ AFP/ Getty Images “American Idol” may entertain millions of viewers, but Sarah Palin apparently isn’t one of them. In excerpts from her upcoming memoir, “America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag,” leaked by Gawker , the former vice-presidential candidate slams the reality show for hosting what she refers to as “talent deprived” contestants. “Did you ever wonder where the producers of ‘American Idol’ come up with the seemingly endless supply of people who can’t sing but are deluded enough to get in front of a national television audience and screech out a song anyway?” Palin asks in the book. Palin, whose daughter Bristol Palin is currently on the reality show “Dancing With the Stars,” goes on to say those unqualified contestants who appear on “Idol” are “victims of the cult of self-esteem.” “No one they’ve encountered in their lives — from their parents to their teachers to their president — wanted them to feel bad by hearing the truth,” she writes. “So they grew up convinced they could become big pop stars like Michael Jackson.” But it’s not all criticism. Palin praises former judge Simon Cowell for dishing out hard truths to the competitors. “Cowell can be a little harsh at times, but he upholds the highest standards and something in us recognizes and responds to that,” she writes. “Unfortunately Cowell is almost alone in his willingness to tell hard truths.” Palin further argues that “hard truths” are necessary, as “a growing chorus of voices is trying to convince our kids that hard work isn’t necessary anymore.” Palin’s memoir is set to be released on Tuesday (November 23). What do you think about Sarah Palin’s “American Idol” critique? Tell us in the comments.

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Sarah Palin Slams ‘American Idol’ For Hosting ‘Talent Deprived’ Contestants

Lady Gaga Says Born This Way Is Nearly Finished, ‘Almost Perfect’

‘It won’t be much longer, it’s almost perfect. But I (we) don’t want almost,’ Gaga tweets about forthcoming album. By James Montgomery Lady Gaga Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images By now, you are probably aware that Lady Gaga’s upcoming Born This Way album is “incredible,” “shocking,” “bold and beautiful,” “utter liberation,” and, of course, “crazy amazing.” But what you might not have known is that it is finally, totally, completely finished. Almost. That’s according to Gaga herself, who took to her Twitter account on Wednesday to announce that she’s nearly wrapped production on Born, and that her little monsters’ long wait is just about over. Unless she’s not satisfied with every last detail, of course. “Endless melodies, hooks [and] poetry sledge-hammering my skull,” she tweeted . “It won’t be much longer, it’s almost perfect. But I (we) don’t want almost.” Of course, there’s still no release date (tentative or otherwise) for Born This Way, though Gaga has been playing songs from the album — like “You And I” and “Living on the Radio” — since the summer, and has discussed the project at length during her Monster Ball performances. In September, at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards , she announced the title of the album after winning Video of the Year. Those who have heard Born This Way can’t seem to stop gushing over it. On Tuesday, MTV News caught up with Gaga’s label boss, Akon, who said the album “is definitely … a notch up” from her previous work, and that she’s “taking things to the next level.” Gaga’s manager, Troy Carter, said that he’s just starting to play music from Born for Interscope Records, and that the songs on the album are “incredible.” He also hinted that the album would be “coming soon.” Related Photos The Evolution Of: Lady Gaga Related Artists Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga Says Born This Way Is Nearly Finished, ‘Almost Perfect’

Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks

Their collaboration, ‘Hold My Hand,’ was ‘preapproved,’ Akon tells MTV News about Michael track. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Kelly Marino Akon Photo: MTV News There has been much debate over the release of new music by Michael Jackson, set for release on his album Michael , due out December 14. Some fans and some of Jackson’s collaborators, such as will.i.am, have spoken out about the release of the tracks, many of which were finished after Jackson’s death. It’s an argument that Akon, who worked with Jackson on the song “Hold My Hand,” understands. “Michael Jackson’s new album and the new releases, of course, there’s been comments about whether or not [it] should actually be released or whether it would reflect his true authenticity, but naturally because of the fact he’s not here to see it through, it definitely wouldn’t reflect what he had in mind for it because there’s other minds working for him,” Akon told MTV News about the tracks. “But I think at the end of the day, we have two choices: We can put out the little that we do have to hold onto, or we can just never ever put it out again. … The material that he did have that was finished, he would have loved to put it out. “[The songs] were created by him, now whether or not they were finished by him is a different story,” he added. “And that’s just a collective effort of all of us. It’s a double-edged sword.” Akon points out that one of those finished tracks is “Hold My Hand,” making the argument that his contribution to the album is Jackson-approved. “If he was here today, I think he would definitely approve of ‘Hold My Hand,’ because it was already preapproved,” he said. “But the rest of the songs, I’m not quite sure how far those songs went ’cause Michael’s a perfectionist. He wouldn’t let anything go unfinished. Me knowing him from my standpoint of viewing him, I’m not quite sure, because he won’t stop; he will go and go until there’s not one doubt left in his mind that this record is perfect. “So, I hope he would [have approved of the album], then again, you never know. He’s the only one that can answer that question.” Do you think the tracks should be released? Sound off in the comments below. Related Photos Michael Jackson’s ‘Michael’ Cover Decoded Related Artists Akon Michael Jackson

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Akon Weighs In On New Michael Jackson Tracks

Ke$ha’s Cannibal Hits The Web

‘Listen to it,’ singer insists in a post on her website. By James Montgomery Ke$ha Photo: Venturelli/ Getty Images Ke$ha ‘s don’t-call-it-an-EP, do-call-it-a-companion-piece Cannibal doesn’t hit stores until Tuesday, but since roughly three-quarters of the songs are online already, she’s decided to just post the whole thing right now. Yes, fans can now hear all of Cannibal right now on Ke$ha’s website , and all they have to do is enter their Twitter handle, Facebook account or MySpace ID to do so. “This is my album premiere, and it’s top secret, and it’s really fun and it’s wild,” Ke$ha said in a message posted on her site (in which she is rather inexplicably dressed like Maverick from “Top Gun”). “Things are going to get crazy and a little awkward, it’ll be okay. Listen to it.” Yeah, seriously, listen to it. Because while most of Cannibal has already leaked — including, of course, first single “We R Who We R,” the banging, clanging “Sleazy,” the title track and the bumping club track “Blow” — there are still plenty of moments to discover. Look for “The Harold Song,” which sees Ke$ha ditch her snarling shtick to lament over a lost love; “Crazy Beautiful Life,” where she looks back on how far she’s come — from her days as a “sh–ty waitress” to an internationally famous pop star — over a beat lifted from an old NES; “Grow A Pear,” a kiss-off to “a dude with a vag”; and “C U Next Tuesday,” an angry swipe at a scumbag guy who won’t ditch his ex. Loaded with glitchy beats and coated in a slick lacquer of Auto-Tune, Cannibal follows in the footsteps of Ke$ha’s breakthrough Animal but also finds her stretching her legs, both as a songwriter and a singer. It’s a companion piece to that album and a capper on the past (very hectic) year of her life. Like Ke$ha said, things get a little bit crazy, and a little awkward, but you should most definitely listen. And then get ready for whatever she does next. Have you checked out Cannibal yet? Share your reviews in the comments! Related Artists Ke$ha

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Ke$ha’s Cannibal Hits The Web