Tag Archives: Voice

‘Big Miracle’ Is Heartwarming Fun Despite Chilly Temps, Stars Say

Drew Barrymore, John Krasinksi and Kristen Bell discuss their new film, which follows the rescue of three gray whales in Alaska. By Kara Warner John Krasinksi and Drew Barrymore in “Big Miracle” Photo: Universal Pictures If you’re looking for a feel-good film to see this weekend, look no further than “Big Miracle,” the story of the real-life rescue of three gray whales trapped in ice near Point Barrow, Alaska, in 1988. Incredibly, the effort became an international issue that involved a rare collaboration between the United States and the Soviet Union and garnered worldwide media attention. MTV News recently caught up with the three stars of the film, Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski and Kristen Bell, who explained the multi-generational appeal and importance of the story and the cause presented in the film. “The whales have Twitter accounts,” Krasinski joked when asked how the film might specifically appeal to MTV viewers. “So, streamlined information, done deal. Don’t ask us, ask them. They’ll talk all about it,” he said with a smile. “It’s a big movie that deals with participation, and with the election coming up and all these different things, and everybody is divided over this, that and the other, and everybody is angry about something. It’s one of those moments where you get to say, ‘I could just step in and lend my voice to something.’ And it really helps, it makes you feel important and special that you’re doing something. This movie sort of focuses on that completely, about how when you get a bunch of people together you can kind of do anything.” Barrymore added that the film’s setting in the late ’80s provides for a unique look back at our media and political cultures at the time. “It’s an interesting look back at how if things were a little different maybe we wouldn’t exactly be where we are. But, it’s not in a patronizing way, it’s in a really interesting way,” she said. “And it’s amazing historically, like, you know, environmentally and politically. But, I think it’s very true to what’s going on now, that if people work together, whether it’s protesting via Twitter for an important movement to change their country or to do something wonderful and important like saving whales. It’s working together, so I think actually in 1987 when this takes place and what’s going on right now today, they definitely have a connection.” Kristen Bell also focused on the warm, fuzzy aspects of the film, particularly how its positive message compares to the continually multiplying “train wreck” elements involved in other films and TV. “I think it’s a very positive story as opposed to many of the unendingly interesting train wrecks that are put on television or in films these days, which believe me, I’m not poo-pooing, but there’s something very inspiring about a story where a bunch of different people come together for a common goal and actually accomplish it,” Bell explained. “It’s very, very inspiring, I think. And often times, news headlines or things that are written about in blogs, you know, reality television, it’s not as inspiring as you want it to be, at least not for me. And it actually happened. It’s historical, so you’ll get smarter watching it. You’ll also be inspired, so you’ll be happier. What’s the downfall? See the movie!” Are you planning on seeing “Big Miracle”? Leave your comment below.

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‘Big Miracle’ Is Heartwarming Fun Despite Chilly Temps, Stars Say

Has Madonna Given Up Acting For Good?

‘W.E.’ director tells MTV News she prefers directing because ‘If I’m the actor, I’m just … I’m a pawn.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Madonna directing “W.E.” Photo: The Weinstein Co. Madonna has given the whole thespian thing a try several times over. So, the idea of hitting the big screen again in front of the camera doesn’t really appeal much to the “W.E.” writer and director. “No [I don’t want to act], but I do [act] every day of my life,” she told MTV News, before waxing a bit more philosophical about her future ambitions for a career on the big screen. “I like directing better,” she further explained. “If I write it and direct it, then it’s my voice. If I’m the actor, I’m just … I’m a pawn.” As Madonna embarks on yet another chapter in her always-evolving career, she explains that she hopes that people will be able to love her for every project she’s attached herself to in her decades-spanning career. “I’d rather not divide things up into categories, but I prefer the idea that people would say that I contributed to the culture, the zeitgeist from a female perspective as a musician, as a songwriter, as a filmmaker, in my political point of views of the issues that I’ve stood by and fought for,” she said. “I hope that I consider all of these things to be a part of my body of work and I’d rather not go, ‘Oh, she’ll be remembered as a great filmmaker, a great songwriter.’ ” “W.E.” opens Friday and follows two parallel love stories. It focuses on the vintage, tabloid romance between American divorc

Has Madonna Given Up Acting For Good?

‘W.E.’ director tells MTV News she prefers directing because ‘If I’m the actor, I’m just … I’m a pawn.’ By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Madonna directing “W.E.” Photo: The Weinstein Co. Madonna has given the whole thespian thing a try several times over. So, the idea of hitting the big screen again in front of the camera doesn’t really appeal much to the “W.E.” writer and director. “No [I don’t want to act], but I do [act] every day of my life,” she told MTV News, before waxing a bit more philosophical about her future ambitions for a career on the big screen. “I like directing better,” she further explained. “If I write it and direct it, then it’s my voice. If I’m the actor, I’m just … I’m a pawn.” As Madonna embarks on yet another chapter in her always-evolving career, she explains that she hopes that people will be able to love her for every project she’s attached herself to in her decades-spanning career. “I’d rather not divide things up into categories, but I prefer the idea that people would say that I contributed to the culture, the zeitgeist from a female perspective as a musician, as a songwriter, as a filmmaker, in my political point of views of the issues that I’ve stood by and fought for,” she said. “I hope that I consider all of these things to be a part of my body of work and I’d rather not go, ‘Oh, she’ll be remembered as a great filmmaker, a great songwriter.’ ” “W.E.” opens Friday and follows two parallel love stories. It focuses on the vintage, tabloid romance between American divorc

Drake On President Obama: “I Could Play Him”

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Drake is serious about getting back into acting, and he’d even like to play President Barack Obama . During an interview at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Drake stated: Why Rappers Love This Restaurant “I hope somebody makes a movie about Obama’s life soon because I could play him. That’s the goal. I watch all the addresses. Anytime I see him on TV, I don’t change the channel, I definitely pay attention and listen to the inflections of his voice. If you ask anyone who knows me, I’m pretty good at impressions.” On the outside, it seems like the only thing Drake and President Obama have in common in their bi-racial background, but maybe Drake would do a good portrayal. Find out more details right here RELATED POSTS: Drake On Being Offered Stereotypical Black Male Movie Roles [VIDEO] Ice-T: “Hillary Clinton Will Be President After Barack!”

Drake On President Obama: “I Could Play Him”

Bow Wow ‘Needed To Live Life’ To Make Underrated

‘I had to go through a lot of things for me to be able to write the type of things I’m writing now,’ Bow tells ‘RapFix Live.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Bow Wow on “RapFix Live” Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News Bow Wow has grown up in hip-hop, but in order to deliver his upcoming seventh album, Underrated, the Cash Money MC had to go through some real-life experiences. “I feel like with this album, it’s so different, because I had to live life to make this album,” the 24-year old rapper told Sway when he visited “RapFix Live” on Wednesday. “I had to go through a lot of things for me to be able to write the type of things I’m writing now, to understand my fans, to be on the ground level. Not above my people, but right there with my people,” he continued. “I would probably need another three years to live before I can create another one. Just so I could go through different things.” As far as the album title, Bow used it as motivation. “The more and more I kept sayin’ the word ‘underrated,’ I realized how many others of millions of people out there probably tuning in right now who probably feel like they’re underrated,” he said. “I’m sure there is an underground rapper out there who can rap hard and he want his break.” Despite all his platinum plaques and sold-out tours, Bow Wow still feels like he doesn’t get his just due. He hopes that will change once the album drops. Bow recently debuted the first video from the album, for “Sweat” with Lil Wayne , and he has already clocked in collaborations with Lloyd Banks. Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss and Meek Mill and still plans to record with Wiz Khalifa. Though there isn’t a concrete release date in place, Bow Wow estimates Underrated will drop in April. What are you expecting from Bow Wow’s latest album? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Bow Wow And Too $hort Related Artists Bow Wow

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Bow Wow ‘Needed To Live Life’ To Make Underrated

‘American Idol’ Introduces Shelby Tweten And … Magic Cyclops

Haley Smith, Angie Zeiderman and Jairon Jackson also stand out during Aspen, Colorado, auditions. By Adam Graham Jennifer Lopez on “American Idol” Photo: FOX The change in direction in this year’s “American Idol” — focusing on actual contestants rather than the humiliating auditions that result in YouTube infamy — has, thus far, deprived viewers of any great-bad moments. That changed Wednesday (January 25) during the “Idol” auditions from Aspen, Colorado, when viewers were introduced to “professional air guitarist” Magic Cyclops, who showed up in front of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson in an American-flag T-shirt, a red-white-and-blue bandana and a faux-British accent he said he picked up in Davenport, Iowa, from watching the BBC. The long-haired, facial-hair-sporting Cyclops refused to give his age — “it’s not polite to ask a lady her age,” he told Jackson — and claimed to be the proud owner of 11,000 air guitars. “I know there’s a guy in Belgium that has, I think, five more than me,” he said. When it came time to sing, Cyclops offered the judges their choice between Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rosie” and Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and ended up singing them both in a kind of metalhead growl. Jackson was already on his way out of the room when Cyclops hit his grand finale — a burst of confetti shooting out of a cannon he had tucked into the back of his pants — but by that time, season 11 had finally given us someone to include alongside William Hung, Renaldo Lapuz and others in the “Idol” Bad Audition Hall of Fame. Cyclops aside, Aspen had a solid crop of talent to offer, with 31 singers earning Golden Tickets to Hollywood. Perhaps the most unique contestant was 25-year-old Angie Zeiderman of Delray Beach, Florida, a would-be Lady Gaga in a floral-print minidress, pearls and a purple hairdo who rolled around the audition stage while performing “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” from “The Producers.” She followed it with a measured take on Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou,” leading Jackson to tell her, “You’re in your own little world.” Lopez complimented her strong voice and her tone, while Tyler told her she had a “great little voice.” Zeiderman herself told the cameras, “It is time for a vintage glitter queen on ‘American Idol,’ ” and it seems as though she’s right, as she sailed through to the next round of auditions. Viewers were also told the story of Shelby Tweten, 17, of North Mankato, Minnesota, who was diagnosed bipolar last year but who said “American Idol” keeps her balanced and gives her a reason to stay on her medication. Her version of Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” brought a tear to Lopez’s eye and inspired Jackson to give her a “big, huge yes!” to Hollywood. Haley Smith, meanwhile, doesn’t have just one job she has to leave to head to Hollywood, but three. The hardworking 18-year-old from Orem, Utah, brought a little flower power to Wednesday’s show, as her throwback hippie vibe gave Steven Tyler flashbacks. “I love your voice so much. You’re right out of my era, and I’m honored to be here listening to your voice,” he told the Janis Joplin-like Smith, following her earthy version of Rufus and Chaka Kahn’s “Tell Me Something Good.” Then there was 19-year-old Jairon Jackson of Denver, Colorado, whose original song “So Hard” inspired Lopez to exclaim, “That kid is a real artist!” and also provided enough of a tie-in for producers to play will.i.am.’s Lopez-assisted “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever).” Cross-promotion is key, kids. Other singers ushered through to Hollywood on Wednesday’s episode included elementary school teacher Jenni Schick, 24, of Sterling, Virginia, who managed to steal a kiss on the lips from Tyler before leaving the judge’s room; Curtis Gray, 28, of Spring Hill, Florida, who was called a “major talent” after his version of Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”; Scotty McCreery sound-alike Richie Law, 19, of Centennial, Colorado; Devan Jones, 26, of Aurora, Colorado, a hotel clerk who moved the judges with his version of the Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”; and 25-year-old Mathenee Reco of Centennial, Colorado, a dance instructor who gave an animated version of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” On Thursday, “Idol” is off to Galveston, Texas, to find out if everything really is bigger in Texas. What did you think of Magic Cyclops and the rest of Wednesday’s “Idol” contestants? Let us know in the comments! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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‘American Idol’ Introduces Shelby Tweten And … Magic Cyclops

Adele Remembers Etta James As ‘The Ultimate Original’

‘It’s an honour every time I hear her voice,’ Adele writes of the late singer. By Jocelyn Vena Adele Photo: Andreas Rentz/ Getty Images Days after legendary songstress Etta James passed away from complications of leukemia, Adele took to her blog to recall the great influence the singer has had on her. “What a lady Etta James was. She was the ultimate original,” she said, recalling her own encounter with the icon. “Her voice was breath taking and her songs are reflections we all recognise in some way or another. It’s an honour every time I hear her voice. I saw her at BB Kings in New York a few years ago, and it was something I will remember forever. Thank you to Etta James. And I send all my love to her family and friends.” Since the news broke of James’ death, many big-voiced divas have opened up about the influence she had on them. “Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage. Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career,” Christina Aguilera said in a statement. “She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.” Beyonc

American Idol Premiere Ratings Take a Plunge

When do 21.6 million viewers equate to a disappointing episode of television? When you’ve been the country’s top-rated series for years. Indeed, American Idol earned the highest ratings on TV last night and will undoubtedly do so every evening it airs through the May finale – but its numbers were down 27% from the season 10 opener. There are many reasons for this decline – all programs suffer viewer fatigue at some point, and the competition ( The Voice , The Sing-Off , The X Factor ) from similar shows has never been higher – but talent is not be among them. There were actually a few strong acts last night, three of which we’ve posted again here: Phillip Phillips American Idol Audition Shannon Magrane American Idol Audition Amy Brumfield American Idol Audition

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American Idol Premiere Ratings Take a Plunge

‘American Idol’: Season 11 Premieres With Siblings, Country Singers And Swag

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And we’re back! After the inaugural seasons of both The Voice and The X Factor, we’ve returned to the Original Don of singing reality competitions! (Shut up, Star Search, no one remembers you.) As pointed out to us at the very start of the episode, contestants this season have had American Idol in their lives … More » Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Idolator Discovery Date : 19/01/2012 05:07 Number of articles : 2

‘American Idol’: Season 11 Premieres With Siblings, Country Singers And Swag

Wale: R&B Music Isn’t For Black People Anymore [VIDEO]

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Wale is an MC, but he has some thoughts about the state of R&B music today as you’ll see in this video. During a visit to Columbus radio station Power 107.5, our sister site  MyColumbusPower.com filmed this Wale interview as he talks about how R&B has evolved into club music, a fusion of one sound, and “weirdo music.” Plus, Wale talks about how R&B is barely marketed to black people. Check out Wale’s comments in the video below, and get more of his Columbus visit at MyColumbusPower.com . RELATED POSTS: The “Maybach Music” Voice Reveals Herself [PHOTOS] DJ Webstar, Wale & Dorrough Want You To “Drop That A**” [NEW MUSIC]

Wale: R&B Music Isn’t For Black People Anymore [VIDEO]