Tag Archives: stage

Nicki Minaj Denies Lip-Synching At BET Awards

‘U could hear me in the auditorium but apparently not in TV land,’ she tweets. By Mawuse Ziegbe Nicki Minaj Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images Nicki Minaj was one of the biggest winners at Sunday night’s BET Awards , taking home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist and scoring a collective trophy with Young Money for Best Group. The saucy upstart has made a name for herself with her rollicking flow , but fans were buzzing about what didn’t come out of her mouth at the show, accusing the rap diva of lip-synching through her performances. Minaj took to Twitter on Monday (June 28) to dispel rumors that she didn’t bring all her skills to the stage. “U could hear me in the auditorium but apparently not in TV land,” she tweeted . The star also added that technical difficulties were at play. “Shout out to the sound guy.” However, the “Massive Attack” rapper assured fans that the sound issues will be cleared up when the network rebroadcasts the show. “They say it’ll b fixed wen it re-airs. :/” Overall, it was a busy night for Minaj. After winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (a trophy she scored solely on the strength of her mixtapes and work with Young Money, since the star has not yet dropped a major-label debut) and calling for “positive energy” among women in hip-hop, the MC popped up in two different performances. She emerged from a cloud of smoke in a skintight catsuit and spit her rapid-fire verse for the remix of “Hello, Good Morning” during Diddy-Dirty Money’s performance. She also helped close out the show, performing her collabo with Ludacris, “My Chick Bad,” with M

Ne-Yo and Monyetta Shaw: Expecting First Child!

Ne-Yo is going to be a father. The singer recently told Ebony he is expecting his first child, and that he recently flew home to Atlanta to be with his girlfriend during her first ultrasound. “I am 30 and I do have my first child on the way, and I am very, very, very excited about that,” Ne-Yo revealed. Ne-Yo’s baby mama is Monyetta Shaw. Joking that his firstborn will be “stubborn, he revealed that his girlfriend is due to give birth in early 2011, meaning they must have just found out. “It’s a New Year’s baby,” said Ne-Yo, whose new album is set for September 21 release. “I’m just in a really good place in life right now.” Congratulations to Monyetta Shaw and Ne-Yo!

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Ne-Yo and Monyetta Shaw: Expecting First Child!

Oksana Grigorieva Says Mel Gibson Punched Her in the Face; Actor Accuses Her of Lying

Mel Gibson’s lawyer says his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva is making up horrible stories about him because she’s having buyer’s remorse … so to speak. Stephen Kolodny says it’s all over a custody agreement she signed: “Oksana’s deceitful conduct in trying to terminate Mel’s access to his daughter continues.” This is serious stuff: Oksana Grigorieva claims Mel Gibson punched her twice in the face last January, knocking out her teeth and giving her a concussion. It all started last week, when the Russian pianist took out a restraining order barring Mel from getting near Oksana or their daughter, 8-month-old Lucia. The next day, Mel’s lawyer went to court and got the judge to modify the order, allowing Gibson to have contact with the child, his first with Grigorieva. Kolodny claims, by modifying the order, the court rejected Oksana’s argument that the baby was in danger and affirmed their recent custody agreement. SHE SAID, HE SAID : Did Mel beat Oksana, or is this a bitter ploy? Sources connected with Oksana Grigorieva, however, claim she believes Mel Gibson is ” extremely violent ” and poses an ongoing threat to her and the baby. Kolodny scoffs at the claim, saying “Mel was hopeful that their break-up was behind them and Lucia would be the beneficiary of cooperative parenting.” “Apparently Lucia will be denied that good fortune.” He noted that they agreed to a deal offering overnight, unrestricted visitation, and which would result in Mel having 50/50 custody of their daughter. Finally, Kolodny says, “Making sensational allegations is not the way to resolve this,” adding that Mel wants a custody resolution in court, not the press. Lies or not, allegations surfaced last week from sources in Oksana’s camp who said she had “to protect the baby during one of [Mel’s] violent episodes.” “She tried to protect his reputation, despite her fears of him. She regrets believing his empty promises to obtain help to control his violent nature.”

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Oksana Grigorieva Says Mel Gibson Punched Her in the Face; Actor Accuses Her of Lying

Chris Brown BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson: Tears Flow For the Man in the Mirror

Last night’s BET Awards featured lots of big names – Kanye West, Usher, T.I. – but perhaps the most talked-about performance came from Chris Brown. The embattled singer, who has kept a relatively low profile of late, provided an emotional tribute to the late Michael Jackson, breaking down in tears. Chris was introduced by Michael’s brother, Jermaine Jackson. After a lengthy performance featuring the sickest Michael-inspired dance moves you’ll ever see, Brown took the mic to sing “Man in the Mirror” and lost it. Nearly six minutes into the elaborate MJ homage, his voice cracked, he couldn’t sing, and at one point he crumpled to the stage in apparent agony. MAN IN THE MIRROR : For Chris Brown, that Michael Jackson hit took on an entirely different meaning as he paid tribute to his idol on stage at the 2010 BET Awards . Coupled with the one-year anniversary of Michael’s death , the moving moment was made even more so by the song’s lyrics and Chris’ recent past. The 21-year-old returned to the stage later to apologize to his fans: “I let you all down before, but I won’t do it again. I promise you,” Brown said. Say what you will about the guy and what he’s been through, the performance was pretty moving and showed how MJ’s music influenced so many. Here’s Chris Brown channeling Michael Jackson … Chris Brown BET Awards Performance

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Chris Brown BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson: Tears Flow For the Man in the Mirror

Eminem Honors Dr. Dre At ASCAP Awards Ceremony

‘He changed the face of music and he changed my life,’ Eminem says. By Kelly Marino Dr. Dre Photo: MTV News It’s been over a decade since his last solo album, but when Dr. Dre was honored with ASCAP’s Founders Award Friday night, it was a reminder to everyone that the doctor is still one of hip-hop’s biggest pioneers in the game today. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers held it’s 23rd annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, where some of music’s biggest names were recognized for their contributions to music. The biggest award of the night was handed to Dr. Dre for his achievements in the music industry and for inspiring and influencing his fellow music makers. The ASCAP association put together a presentation package that played across the big screens, highlighting some of Dre’s greatest quotes. One moment that had the audience cheering was Dre’s stab at critics, saying, “You can’t critique my sh– unless you have done half of the stuff I have accomplished.” Shortly after the piece ended, DJ Kid Capri took the stage to perform a set of songs chronicling Dr. Dre’s career that included early hits such as “Keep Their Heads Ringin’,” “Let Me Ride,” and “Gin and Juice” as well as more recent Dre productions such as “In Da Club,” “Family Affair,” and “Rich Girl.” Eminem made a rare, surprise appearance to present the award to Dr. Dre, whom he thanked for believing in him. “It would have been a lot easier for Dre to dismiss me like most people did,” Eminem stated. “But he didn’t. He stepped up to the challenge because he saw something in me. … He changed the face of music and he changed my life.” Dre then took the stage to accept the award, pausing during his speech as he fought back tears. “I’m living an incredible life,” he said. “Making a living doing what I love and having people love it. I can’t even explain what that feels like.” Dre went on to pay respects to his mother, who became pregnant with him at the age of 15. “She was always told by family, friends and neighbors or whatever, she was going to ruin her life and mine,” he said. He also thanked his wife, whom he described as his in-house A&R and playfully promised her he was going to give her “something real special for this tonight.” Closing out his speech, he thanked Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M Records, for being with him through his ups and downs, and last but certainly not least, his fans. Some of the other top awards handed out Friday were Songwriter of the Year, which Jimmy Jam presented to Ne-Yo and the hit-making duo C. “Tricky” Stewart and The-Dream, who tied with six chart-topping singles each. T.I. graced the stage to present fellow Atlantans Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin and Manuel Seal with Song of the Decade for “We Belong Together.” Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels was honored for last year’s smash hit “Best I Ever Had,” which he wrote for Drake. “Blame It” by Jamie Foxx and featuring T-Pain earned writers Christopher Henderson, Brandon “Note” Melancon, The-Dream, C. “Tricky” Stewart, and Nate Walka the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year. And Big Boi presented the ASCAP’s Vanguard Award to his friend and “high funktress” Janelle Monae, who accepted the award on behalf of her team the Wondaland Arts Society. Related Artists Dr. Dre Eminem

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Eminem Honors Dr. Dre At ASCAP Awards Ceremony

Good Charlotte Talk ‘Family Vibe’ On Bamboozle Tour

Band brings tourmates along on DJ gigs, where they ‘party their faces off.’ By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matthew Harper Good Charlotte Photo: MTV News By now, you’re probably aware that the Bamboozle Road Show — the rambling rock circus featuring Good Charlotte, All Time Low, Simple Plan, Third Eye Blind and 3OH!3, among others — is basically, well, one giant “bro down.” Yes, it seems that everyone associated with the ‘Boozle enjoys the company of their fellow musicians, and it doesn’t matter if it’s the lowliest of opening acts or the headiest of headliners, they all hang out together, for reasons that seem to extend beyond friendship and into the realm of survival. “Everyone’s been hanging out every night, [because] the actual conditions of the tour … definitely everyone’s helped each other out, because there hasn’t been any food,” Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden laughed. “So, like, the bands will all buy food and cook out, or, if we go shopping one night, the other bands will come on our bus. It’s like a big, family vibe. We’re all hanging out and having a good time.” Of course, there’s also other human needs to attend to while on tour, like getting trashed. And Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers have that aspect covered. “Me and Benji have had a lot of DJ gigs in random cities, like once or twice a week, and we’ll bring the entire tour with us,” Joel smiled. “And we’re talking, like, 20 guys that are all, like, 22 or 23 and they all want to rage. So we’ll go and set it up and then they’ll have the whole club at their disposal. They party their faces off.” And, of course, all that camaraderie also extends to the stage, too. Take, for example, the events that took place earlier this week during a Road Show stop in Pittsburgh. Heavy rain and strong winds forced the show to nearly be cancelled, until all the bands stepped in and saved the day. “The other night in Pittsburgh, we had walked up to the stage, and we were about to go on stage, and it started pouring down rain, storm, the rain was blowing the screens almost off the stage, so … they had to shut the stage down, tie everything down, kind of wait for the rain to stop, and, the show got canceled, pretty much,” Benji Madden said. “So, all the bands decided we’d play acoustic instead. And so, all the bands went up on stage, and each of us played 4-5 songs, and played some together and, most of the crowd stayed, and it turned out to be maybe my favorite show of the tour. It felt really special, like one of those rock and roll moments where everybody there won’t forget it.” Related Photos Bamboozle Bands On The Road Related Artists Good Charlotte

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Good Charlotte Talk ‘Family Vibe’ On Bamboozle Tour

Alice Tan Ridley: The Next Susan Boyle?

It’s true, folks: America’s Got Talent – and her name is Alice Tan Ridley! The 58-year old singer shocked judges with her vocal range on last night’s audition show, taking to the stage in New York City and explaining that she typically sings for city subway riders. What else is unique about Ridley? She’s the other of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe. Seriously! Watch and be amazed now: Alice Tan Ridley on America’s Got Talent

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Alice Tan Ridley: The Next Susan Boyle?

Katy Perry Teases Her Teen Choice Awards Wardrobe

‘There’s a lot of Velcro involved,’ the host reveals to MTV News of her costume ideas. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry Photo: MTV News The Teen Choice Awards nominations are in and as host Katy Perry gears up for her August 9 gig, she warns that just about anything is possible once she takes the stage. “What are you not gonna see? That’s the thing!” she teased to MTV News after the listening party for her Teenage Dream LP in New York City. “I mean, I always have a fantastic time hosting these types of things,” Perry added, “and pull out costume after costume after costume.” While Perry was vague about possible wardrobe choices, she did say that viewers should expect to see progressively less clothes as the night wears on. “Usually I start wearing like a layer of clothes and then I just rip off,” Perry told us. “There’s a lot of Velcro involved. But it’ll be fun and I love teenagers because [whereas] children are not jaded and just full of life … teenagers are a little like, ‘Prove to me you’re cool,’ and I’m gonna prove to you that I’m kind of cool. I am not pop-star lame, I am not hipster cool — I am somewhere in the middle.” At the MTV Movie Awards this month, Perry performed her chart-topping “California Gurls.” But the singer revealed she might try out the title single off her August 24 album, performing “Teenage Dream” at the awards show. “I think I might be doing the second single off the record. It’d be a great place … at the Teen Choice Awards because I think a lot of kids are falling in love and they will relate to that song,” she explained. “That song is kind of like feeling that way when you were a teenager: really emotional, really invested. … It’s intense being in love and being a teenager. That’s what ‘Teenage Dream’ is about.” And speaking of deeply felt adolescent love, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which is up for a number of Teen Choice Awards, pretty much sums up the subject of Perry’s next single. “That’s being a teenager right there,” she agreed. “That would be that dynamic of love.” Are you excited for Katy Perry to host the Teen Choice Awards? Tell us in the comments!

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Katy Perry Teases Her Teen Choice Awards Wardrobe

Drake Show Shut Down By NYPD

‘I am humbled by the crowd that showed up in support of my performance,’ rapper tells MTV News in a statement. By Jayson Rodriguez Drake Photo: Rahman Dukes/MTV News NEW YORK — A Drake show scheduled for Tuesday evening (June 15) in Manhattan was canceled by the New York Police Department after crowd control became a safety concern for organizers of the event. Upward of 10, 000 fans lined the South Street Seaport and even more were present on the outskirts of the venue, lurking, in hopes of spotting the Toronto rapper. Drake was set to appear onstage at 7:45 p.m. ET, but leading up to his appearance, the crowd swelled to a larger-than-expected size. Organizers of the event, sponsored by Paper magazine and also featuring Hanson and Ninjasonik, began slowly asking attendees to be prepared for a cancellation. Confusion abounded just moments later, however, as concertgoers jockeyed for closer positions to the stage, unaware of any danger. Ultimately, police pulled the plug on the event and began trying to disperse bystanders. Drake — celebrating the release of his debut album, Thank Me Later, on Tuesday — tried to notify his fans via Twitter that he was unable to take the stage. “Police are shutting down the show at South Seaport! I’m on my way anyways,” he wrote. “Drizzy Hendrix Woodstock 2010.” The upstart MC, though, was understandably disappointed he was unable to share in the excitement with his fans and issued a statement apologizing to his fans. “I am humbled by the crowd that showed up in support of my performance and the release of Thank Me Later, ” Drake told MTV News in a statement. “I love performing for my fans, but unfortunately, the show was canceled by the NYPD due to overcrowding, leaving me without the chance to give my fans a real show. I’m thankful for the support that the fans have been giving me … I thank you now.” Fans were also disappointed, but many feared for their own safety as people fought, threw items from nearby restaurants and even trampled other attendees. New York University student Adam Vinson spoke with MTV News and described the chaotic scene. “People didn’t know how to have manners,” he said. “Everyone was up against each other pushing. There was just too many people there. In New York City, though, people are gonna come from out of state, and in the city, there’s already millions of people. The concert goers packed and people started fighting. “I saw dudes fighting,” he added. “One dude said he was gonna light this place up; it was that serious. Once I saw that, it was my cue to leave. People started pushing, bottles were thrown and once dude threatened to shoot, people started trying to get out.” What would you do in that situation? Let us know in the comments. Don’t miss the “Drake: Better Than Good Enough” documentary, airing Wednesday, June 23, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Drake Related Artists Drake

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Drake Show Shut Down By NYPD

Eminem Surprises E3 Crowd With Guests Travis Barker, Rihanna

Rapper headlined Activision concert that included Usher, Will.I.Am, Jane’s Addiction and others. By Matt Elias Eminem performs at E3 on Monday Photo: Chris Weeks/ Getty Images LOS ANGELES — Eminem performed an electrifying set at Activision’s E3 party on Monday night, crushing any doubts that he had lost his touch since his long hiatus from the rap game. The Detroit MC headlined a massive bill that included Usher, Will.I.Am, N.E.R.D., Jane’s Addiction, Chris Cornell, David Guetta, Deadmau5 and DJ Z-Trip. Em’s set kicked off with his first surprise of the night at the Staples Center, with Travis Barker jumping behind the drums for an acrobatic drum solo. Em joined him moments later (flanked by D12’s Denaun Porter), taking the stage just before midnight. He was decked out in a black jacket, black jeans and a silver crucifix hanging around his neck. With Em, Barker, Porter and a live band all onstage, the crowd was up on its feet right from the get-go. The six-song set began with “Won’t Back Down,” off of Recovery, which Em just announced would be released on June 21, a day earlier than originally planned . From that moment, there was an energy in the arena that could be felt from the floor all the way up to the luxury suites. Eminem followed with a couple of his recent features — one from B.o.B’s “Airplanes (Part II)” and the other from Drake’s “Forever.” As Drake’s chorus blared, Eminem marched down the stage’s catwalk, chanting “Bounce, bounce, bounce.” He was clearly on his game, bobbing and weaving while he delivered his verses. All of this was punctuated by Barker’s thumping drumbeats, which made it feel more rock show than rap show. After three songs, Eminem addressed his adoring crowd, shouting, “Los Angeles! What the f— is up? Make some motherf—ing noise!” As if he had to ask, Staples Center erupted in ovation. Em then dedicated his next song, “Not Afraid,” to all of the fans that have stuck by his side over the years. His live band was joined by a full orchestra on both sides of the stage. If that wasn’t enough, later in the song, Eminem was joined by an entire gospel choir that numbered in the dozens. Then Eminem sprung his next surprise. “Before I get into this next song,” he said, “I wanna bring out a very special guest.” After a few moments, Barbadian beauty Rihanna appeared onstage with a bright crop of candy-apple-red hair. The duo got right into “Love the Way You Lie” — another new song off the upcoming Recovery. Em and Ri had great chemistry onstage, taking turns sauntering down the catwalk and passing glances at each other throughout the performance. As the song ended, the show seemed to be over. Eminem thanked the crowd and exited the stage. His band stayed on, however, and slowly started playing the opening notes of “Lose Yourself.” As the song built, Eminem stormed back onto the stage and the crowd (as if they could get any louder) exploded. As he ripped through the song, the crowd grew even more excited, with Porter serving as the hype-man. Finally, as the song finished, a shower of gold confetti rained down on the crowd marking the show’s end — but not without its share of surprises. Related Photos Eminem, Usher, More Perform At Activision’s E3 Party Related Artists Eminem Usher Travis Barker Rihanna Jane’s Addiction

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Eminem Surprises E3 Crowd With Guests Travis Barker, Rihanna