Tag Archives: Voice

‘Star Wars’ Celeb Fans Name Their Favorite Characters

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Kevin Smith, Patton Oswalt and more stars name-drop some well-known characters … and Dengar. By Kevin P. Sullivan Boba Fett Photo: Lucasfilm In anticipation of Friday’s theatrical release of “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” in 3-D, MTV News has been asking folks in the entertainment biz to name their favorite “Star Wars” characters. Many of their choices are quite familiar — Chewbacca, R2-D2, Han Solo, etc. — and some … not so much. “The Walking Dead” writer Robert Kirkman likes the Rancor monster that lives underneath Jabba the Hutt’s throne room; it entertains the sluggish crime lord by violently devouring its unfortunate victims. Kirkman also favors another lesser-known character: “I was always partial to [reptilian bounty hunter] Bossk,” he said, “but I think now I’m going pretty deep, so I don’t want people to ridicule me too much.” Kirkman isn’t alone in his admiration of a bounty hunter; “Young Adult” star Patton Oswalt likes Boba Fett’s bandage-headed buddy, Dengar. Actor/writer/director/”Star Wars” superfan Kevin Smith’s preference is slightly less glamorous. “My favorite, hands down, is Power Droid,” Smith said. “He was a little square box, very easy to imitate at home with a refrigerator box. So you could literally become that character.” The simple service droid doesn’t get much screen time in the series, but Smith has big plans for it nonetheless. “I would like to take that guy and do a whole movie about his adventures,” he said. “Wouldn’t be very interesting or entertaining, but a lot of people said neither was ‘Phantom Menace.’ ” Ambivalence regarding “Episode I” notwithstanding, that film does feature a few beloved characters. Keegan Allen from “Pretty Little Liars” is most impressed by Darth Maul, with his double-bladed lightsaber and fierce facial tattoos. “Darth Maul is the sickest ‘Star Wars’ character, period,” Allen said. And then there’s the Jedi master Darth Maul cruelly defeated. “The Grey” director Joe Carnahan’s nomination of Liam Neeson’s character may have been a polite overture to his star, but Qui-Gon Jinn does deserve a mention when discussing the great players of the franchise. “He trained Obi-Wan [Kenobi], he’s got lovely hair, a lovely beard, and he was a good mentor,” Neeson said. What more could one want from a “Star Wars” hero? Check out everything we’ve got on ” Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

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Jay-Z And Kanye’s Live Vocals Hype Up ‘Paris’ Video

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The Throne add new instruments and ad libs to just-released ‘N—as in Paris’ clip. By Rob Markman Jay-Z and Kanye West in the music video for “Paris” Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records The Throne’s “N—as in Paris” has been getting the people going since Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne dropped last August, and on Thursday (February 9), the dynamic rap duo breathed new life into their inescapable hit. The “Paris” video , which was released Thursday, compiles tour footage and features live audio that replaces the original recorded version fans are already familiar with. The idea is to bring the Watch the Throne Tour to fans who didn’t get to make it out to the legendary run or those who simply want to relive it all over again. For those familiar with Watch the Throne ‘s third track, the changes are noticeable from the get-go. The video’s sound bed begins with Jay-Z addressing a stadium filled with fans. “Y’all ready to leave?” he asks. “Well ‘Ye not ready to leave.” “Any Jay’s not ready to leave,” Kanye adds. “It’s only one thing left to do. Again!” On that cue, the Yeezy-directed clip jumps into full gear, and the remixed version of “Paris” begins. The first difference is the sliding electric piano laid atop the track’s all-too-familiar opening bounce melody. It’s not the first time West has switched up a mix for a video. In 2009, when he dropped the visuals for “Paranoid” from 808s & Heartbreak, he added new synths to enhance the sound of the record. The real gem of the live remix comes from Hov and Yeezy’s vocal performances. Jay’s verses now sound more hyped up and energetic; there is a grit in his voice that we just don’t get from his studio recordings. The ad libs and interaction between the two MCs is key as well. As Jay raps, “I ball so hard mother—-ers wanna fine me,” ‘Ye backs him up, shouting, “Haaa!” after each line to hype the experience up. Hova returns the favor when Yeezy spits his 16 by riffing, “Go, go, go, go!” repeatedly. There is absolutely no replacing the original “N—as in Paris,” and it isn’t likely that the video version of the hit record will make a dent in many DJs’ playlists. Still, the new “Paris” keeps things fresh and enhances the video-watching experience. How cray is that? Which version of “N—as in Paris” do you prefer: the new live version or the original studio cut? Tell us in the comments! Related Photos Epic Scenes From Jay-Z And Kanye West’s ‘Paris’ Video Related Artists Jay-Z Kanye West

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Madonna Super Bowl Gig A ‘No-Brainer’ For Cee Lo

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘The Voice’ judge gives MTV News exclusive, behind-the-scenes scoop about Sunday’s halftime show. By Jocelyn Vena Cee Lo Green and Madonna perform at the Super Bowl on Sunday Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images When Madonna calls, you answer. The Queen of Pop rang up Cee Lo Green several months back about performing “Like a Prayer” during the Super Bowl halftime show , and he didn’t give it a second thought. “I was asked — cordially invited — by Madonna to be a part of it and, of course, very eagerly obliged. So it was basically as simple as that,” he told MTV News late Monday about the eye-catching gig, which included a dazzling light show, loads of dancers and fellow guests LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. “It was kind of like a no-brainer. Working with Madonna is a very simple process,” he added. “She’s a very hard worker, quite the perfectionist, and we worked awfully hard for that entire 12-minute performance to be as close to perfection as possible.” With 100 million-plus viewers tuning in to the game and halftime show , it was no doubt the biggest audience Cee Lo and company had ever performed in front of. But everyone was so ready for anything that there was very little room for error or time to be nervous, Cee Lo told us. “In our line of business and at this point of my career, I think I’m as prepared as you can be,” he said. “I’m most certainly poised to be in that place, in this place. It’s where we rehearsed, so well in advance, that it becomes a second nature.” Cee Lo cited the professionalism of Madge and the entire crew for the performance going off without a hitch. “The technicalities of it are just amazing,” he said. “[It was] such a large crew that really helped. Without their tenacity and their know-how, it could not be done. It would be impossible. So I must commend the entire crew. Technically it takes an entire team to make something like that a success.” Fashion also played a big part in the performance. While Madonna was sporting looks by Givenchy, Cee Lo’s black, sequined choir robe was a design all his own. “They tease and they call me ‘Reverend Green’ and ‘Preacher Green,’ so I had a couple of those robes made just for fun,” he explained. “I mean, you know me, I’m still the same, you know, known for my sense of style, so on and so forth. And when the nature of the performance was discussed and they were saying, ‘We’re gonna do “Like a Prayer” and everyone will be in robes,’ and they were looking for my measurements to see if they were going to have to make me one, and I was like, ‘What do you mean? I have my own already!’ So she was pretty touched by that. I brought a lot of myself.” What did you think of Cee Lo’s contribution to the halftime show? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Super Bowl 46: Movie Spots Related Photos Super Bowl XLVI Performances: Madonna And Kelly Clarkson Related Artists Cee Lo Green Madonna

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Has ‘The Voice’ Already Re-Signed Christina Aguilera?

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

TheWrap reports that Xtina is onboard for season three, which could debut in the fall opposite ‘X Factor.’ By Kara Warner Christina Aguilera on “The Voice” Photo: NBC We are only two episodes into the second season of “The Voice,” and already there is some news about the hit NBC show’s third season. According to TheWrap , Christina Aguilera has signed a contract to continue her stint on the judging panel for a third season of the singing competition. Aguilera is the first of the four judges to ink her deal, a payday for which is supposedly in the $10 million realm. TheWrap also reports that the third season could premiere in the fall rather than waiting until 2013; this would potentially put “The Voice” in direct competition with Fox’s “X Factor.” When MTV News reached out for comment from NBC, a show insider said no decision has been made about season three. It is expected that Aguilera’s fellow judges Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will all renew their contracts in the coming weeks and that the third season will tape from September through December of this year. “The Voice” has proven to be a major hit for NBC. The season-two premiere following the Super Bowl on Sunday earned NBC’s best ratings for an entertainment show in six years. Monday’s episode earned the network’s best numbers for that particular timeslot in nearly eight years, save for broadcasts of the Olympics. When MTV News caught up with the show’s new social media correspondent Christina Milian recently, the singer/actress gushed about the lovefest on set. “It’s been fabulous. I’ve had fun working with the cast already,” she said. “Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Cee Lo, Carson Daly — it’s an awesome super team they have, and from day one, they treated me like family. “This show is about music, it’s about talent, and it’s about this passion and this dream of becoming a star,” Milian added. “Still to this day, every day that I wake up, I have that same dream, so to be involved with the show, [it’s amazing] to watch what they incorporate and how the coaches act as advisers and mentors to the artists and really truthfully help them and push them and want them to be the best so they can win.” Are you hoping all four “Voice” judges are back for season three? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Christina Aguilera

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‘Hunger Games’ Stars Talk Most-Anticipated Sequel Scenes

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson also reveal to MTV News who they would have liked to play if not Katiss and Peeta. By Kara Warner with reporting by Josh Horowitz Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News Another day, another juicy segment of our interview with the cast of “The Hunger Games” to roll out and examine. Tuesday’s (February 7) installment has a slight caveat, however. For those who have yet to read Suzanne Collins’ book “Catching Fire” — the follow-up to “The Hunger Games” — please take this as a friendly warning that the proceeding comments from stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson veer heavily into spoiler territory for the tentatively planned big-screen sequel. When MTV News caught up with Lawrence and Hutcherson recently, we asked them what they hope to see in a sequel. Lawrence quickly brought up a very big step in the relationship between Katniss and Peeta. “We get married!” the actress exclaimed, looking at Hutcherson and pointing to her ring finger with girlish enthusiasm. “[It’s] very exciting,” Hutcherson said, though we detected a bit of hesitation in his voice. Lawrence revealed that she did the “ring finger move” to Hutcherson whenever she wanted to annoy him on set. “God, I sound really annoying whenever I talk about myself in the past,” she admitted. The Oscar nominee then apologized to Hutcherson, who seemed genuinely entertained by her commentary. Looking even further ahead, past “Catching Fire,” we asked about talk that the third book might be split into two films. “It’s always hard, every time you convert a novel into movies, because you have to cut so much out,” Lawrence said. “[So], in a weird way it’s kind of a relief because you get to keep everything in there. It is a lot more work [to shoot four films] and we’ll probably do them back-to-back.” Finally, we asked the two stars if they had to play another “Hunger Games” character besides their own which they would choose. “I would probably say President Snow,” Hutcherson said. “If I were President Snow, I could make some changes and give some power back to the people.” “Well, now I’m left with a goat,” Jennifer joked of the dwindling character options. “Umm.” “Effie has great style,” Hutcherson offered. “Effie! That’s it,” Lawrence agreed about the pink-haired District 12 escort played by Elizabeth Banks. “God, yeah Effie. Thanks!” Who would you have cast Jennifer and Josh as in “The Hunger Games,” besides Katniss and Peeta? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence And Josh Hutcherson Super Bowl 46: Movie Spots Related Photos The Hunger Games

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The Voice Season 2 Premiere Recap: The Fab Four Return, Turn Around For Talent!

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

The Voice is back, and better than ever. In the Season 2 premiere, the NBC “second chance” singing competition showed why it became a hit last spring – the chemistry of the four judges/coaches and the under-appreciated talent auditioning in front of them. For those unfamiliar, the judges sit with their backs turned and if they like a person trying out, sight unseen, they turn around. That person then chooses which of the four stars he wants to help him/her win the title. Let’s get down to business and see who joined Team Christina Aguilera, Team Blake Shelton, Team Cee Lo Green and Team Adam Levine last night … Jesse Campbell and his surprising, tragic back story took second fiddle to his rendition of “A Song For You” that caused all four judges to turn around.

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‘The Voice’ Season 2 Premiere: Blind Auditions Recap & Performances

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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As everyone knows, the post-Super Bowl slot is a coveted spot for any show, and this year NBC gave the honors to The Voice, hoping to hook new fans as the fab foursome of judges takes a break from playing Guesstures to usher in Season 2. As anyone who caught the inaugural outing knows, Javier … More » Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Idolator Discovery Date : 06/02/2012 05:32 Number of articles : 2

‘The Voice’ Season 2 Premiere: Blind Auditions Recap & Performances

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Madonna’s Super Bowl Show ‘Nailed It,’ Celebs Say

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher and Christina Aguilera praise Queen of Pop’s halftime performance. By James Dinh Madonna performs at Super Bowl XLVI Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic Madonna does everything big, and her Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday night (February 5) was no exception. From her elaborate staging, wave of synchronized dancers and surprise onstage guests, the Queen of Pop has all kind of stars, including Kim Kardashian and Ashton Kutcher, abuzz — and probably singing along, too. Taking to Twitter to dish about Madge’s over-the-top medley of songs, Kardashian kept her praise short and sweet: “Madonna is EVERYTHING! She looks soooo good!” she wrote. Kutcher was another fan of the pop titan’s high-energy performance as he confessed, “#fact Madonna is crushing it!” Not only did Ryan Seacrest find a liking to Madonna’s set, but also her surprise performers. “Loved the madonna performance, i think she nailed it. Great job by @LMFAO, @NickiMinaj, @CeeloGreen too,” he tweeted. With the season premiere of “The Voice” scheduled for right after Sunday’s big game, Christina Aguilera also showed support for her fellow co-star, tweeting, “@CeeLoGreen you killed it with Madonna at half time!” Love for Madonna’s show was also spread to another Kardashian sister, as Kourtney wrote, “Nobody is better than Madonna. She was perfection. Like a Prayer was my favorite part. Did everyone LOVE it as much as I did?” Despite his remarks on the singer’s backing track, Perez Hilton was extremely impressed by the superstar’s “Like a Player” finale, writing, “Wow. That ‘Like A Prayer’ finale was one of the best things #Madonna has EVER done! Soooo epic!!!” Paula Abdul was full of compliments, calling the pop performer’s halftime show “brilliant.” “I was dancing &singing along w/ @CeeLoGreen #Madonna Like A Prayer was AWESOME!” she wrote. “Well played #Superbowl WELL PLAYED-amazing #HalfTime show!” Age proved nothing but a number to the rest of the Twitter-verse when “Madonna is 53” became a trending topic shortly after she wrapped up her performance. Share your review of Madonna’s halftime performance in the comments below. Related Photos Super Bowl XLVI Performances: Madonna And Kelly Clarkson Related Artists Madonna

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‘The Voice’ Returns For Second Season With Big Post-Super Bowl Show

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Christina Aguilera And Adam Levine Spar As First Round Of “The Voice” Blind Auditions Gets Underway By John Mitchell Christina Aguilera on “The Voice” Photo: NBC “The Voice” returned to NBC for its second season immediately following Super Bowl XLVI and got right to business, kicking off the first round of blind auditions with coaches Adam Levine , Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton each picking up one team member and Christina Aguilera scoring two. Seven hopefuls stepped in front of the judges’ revolving chairs, each hoping at least one would turn and ask them be on their team. Two contestants got all four judges’ approval, but one, 24-year old Daniel Rosa from Riverside California, didn’t get a single judge to turn their chair and offer a spot and was sent home packing. The Players: Rae Lynn A teenager raised on a Texas farm, Rae Lynn entered the competition with one thing in mind: to win over judge Blake Shelton, who is married to country singer Miranda Lambert, a big hero of Rae Lynn’s. She decided to sing Lamberts “Hell on Heels” despite being warned that last season Shelton didn’t respond well when a contestant auditioned with one of his wife’s songs. But confident in her choice, she did it anyway and wowed Shelton and Levigne. Ultimately, she chose to stick with her roots and keep things country. Team Blake Jesse Campbell One of many inspiring stories told during the show, we were introduced to 42-year-old homeless father Jesse Campbell and his family. He’d barely uttered a few notes before Aguilera, Green and Levigne swiveled around (Shelton followed soon after). “You followed through above and beyond my expectations,” she told Campbell, promising to fight for him along the hard road to the “Voice” finals. Trusting that Aguilera knows a thing or two about how to get the most out of strong vocalists, Jesse picked the “Not Myself Tonight” singer. Team Xtina Juliet Simms Simms has been living the rock-and-roll life since she was a teen and is now, at 25, looking to take that next step. Simms tackled a big song too — “Oh! Darling” by the Beatles — but brought a rough, throaty edge and rocker swagger to the track that immediately attracted Levigne and Cee-Lo and, eventually, Aguilera. “You brought the house down,” Christina said to Simms. Competing over the singer’s affections even devolved into a bit of mudslinging between Aguilera and Levigne, who bickered back and forth over who could better serve Simms in the contest. She decided to go with neither and picked the most eclectic guy on the panel. Team Cee Lo Chris Mann Another of the night’s tear-jerker back stories came from Mann, a talented classical musician working in Nashville, TN, whose mother is fighting pancreatic cancer. The 29-year-old Wichita, Kansas, native was the second contestant of the competition to bowl over the judges with a big, classic voice. “Now that’s a voice,” Xtina proclaimed, “I love it!” Her enthusiasm led him to pick the “Beautiful” Grammy winner, and in the first night of competition she nailed down the two best voices in the game so far. Team Xtina Tony Lucca Hey, that guy looks familiar! Lucca was at one time a Mousketeer alongside Christina, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” But it was more important here that he tore the roof off the joint with a rocking rendition of “Trouble” that earned a swivel of approval from every judge on the panel. All pleaded with him to join their team, but Aguilera seemed oblivious to the fact that she knew him as a child (a lot has happened since then, we’ll give her that). He went with Shelton, probably hoping a little of the country-rock cool that’s kept him at the top of the charts for the last few years rubs off. Team Adam After he left the stage, Aguilera realized who Lucca was and ran backstage to greet him, his wife and young daughter. She also revealed, “Britney had the biggest crush on you!” Oh, what could have been.. Did you catch “The Voice” tonight? Which contestant was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below Related Artists Adam Levine Cee Lo Green Blake Shelton Christina Aguilera

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GTFOHWTBS: Drizzy Drake Says He Never Threatened The Broad Bumpin’ Her Gums On “Marvin’s Room”

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Beyotch you wasn’t with me singing in the booth!!! According to TMZ reports : Drake is finally firing back at the disgruntled female vocalist featured on his hit song “Marvin’s Room” … telling TMZ he NEVER threatened the woman when she complained about payment. Earlier this week — a woman named Ericka Lee filed a lawsuit against Drake, in which she claimed she co-wrote the song but never got proper credit. In her suit, Lee claims Drake warned her that if she didn’t back off about payment … he had “people” who would take care of “issues like her.” But Drake’s rep says, “This claim is entirely without merit and our client has not engaged in any wrongful conduct.” The rep also claims Lee consented to have her voice used in “Marvin’s Room” without compensation … adding, “Drake tried for months to resolve the matter amicably, and he now looks forward to being vindicated in court.” In her suit, Lee claims she and Drake were engaged in a romantic relationship for more than a year between 2010 and 2011 … but sources tell us the rapper is adamant there was never a relationship between the two. Guess chicks like Ericka Lee are why Drake has so many “Trust Issues”… More On Bossip! Ladies, Can We Watch?: RihRih Asks Ochocinco’s Permission To Get In Evelyn Lozada’s Panties Lady Lovin’: The 10 Most “Lesbihonest” Cities in America (Part 2) Wait, There’s More! A History Of Slore-y “Journalists” That Showed Off Their Cakes At Super Bowl Media Day For The Ladies: The Best Super Bowl Bangin’ Baller BAWWWWDIES!!! [Photos]

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GTFOHWTBS: Drizzy Drake Says He Never Threatened The Broad Bumpin’ Her Gums On “Marvin’s Room”

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