Tag Archives: Voice

Nate Dogg’s Death Was ‘A Crushing Blow,’ Warren G Says

‘I’m hurting,’ Warren tells MTV News after raucous SXSW tribute to late friend. By James Montgomery Kurupt and Warren G Photo: MTV News On Saturday night at South by Southwest, Warren G , Daz, Kurupt and Snoop Dogg paid homage to their late friend Nate Dogg with a raucous tribute show that celebrated the music of a man who lived every day to the fullest. And while the mood onstage was definitely joyous — the quartet performed many of the songs Nate leant his voice to, in a poignant tribute to his talents — backstage at Austin’s Venue 222, things were much more muted. In fact, when Warren G spoke to MTV News about his late cohort, he didn’t hide the fact that he (and everyone who ever knew Nate Dogg) was still hurting inside. In fact, starting with the moment he heard the news of Nate’s passing, things have been far from normal. “I was out on the Sweat Tour with Snoop, and we had got the word from his family on what was going on, and it was just a crushing blow for us,” Warren said. “Just, from going to see him and lifting his spirits up when he was in therapy, and stuff like that, it’s just crazy for that to happen. And I still don’t believe it, you know what I’m saying? “It kind of hurts me when I look at this shirt [the organizers of the SXSW tribute show sold Nate Dogg T-shirts, with proceeds going to the late singer’s family], it’s like, ‘Damn, that’s my homeboy on this shirt,’ ” he continued. “And I’m hurting, and you know, a lot of people are showing tons of support for his family, for his homeboys, and we really and truly appreciate that. It’s real love.” And though they took the stage that night with a heavy heart, Warren and his cohorts also did it knowing that their friend was with them in spirit, and that by honoring his music, they were also honoring a man they all knew and loved. “It means a lot, you know, because this is something that’s being done for a person that we really love. It’s deeper than music, that’s a brother to us, to me and Kurupt and Snoop and Daz … it’s really deeper than that,” he said. “I mean, like, I’m not a psychic or a genie or a gypsy or anything, but I know deep down in my heart he’s around us, he’s with us … he’s with us in spirit. Everything we do, he’s a part of it.” Related Photos 2011 SXSW Music Festival Nate Dogg: A Life In Photos Related Artists Nate Dogg Warren G

Go here to read the rest:
Nate Dogg’s Death Was ‘A Crushing Blow,’ Warren G Says

New ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer: Five Key Scenes

The new preview gives us a few clues about Jack’s journey to the Fountain of Youth. By Eric Ditzian Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow Photo: Disney We’ve just crossed the two-month mark; there’s now a mere 59 days until “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” shoves off and into theaters. What’s more, there’s now a brand-new trailer for Johnny Depp’s seafaring 3-D adventure flick, giving us important pieces of plot info and raising all new questions about what we’re going to see when the movie debuts. As we continue to count down the days until that premiere, let’s take a look at the new trailer’s five key moments. Looks Like They Took a Wrong Turn We’ve already seen a variation of this scene — Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow walking under some kind of stone archway on an island — but in the new trailer, we see the camera push forward a little, giving us a peek at what’s on the other side: a ship perched on a cliff high above the water line. How’d it get there? Well, as we see throughout the new footage, the laws of physics get twisted in all sorts of funky ways. Just as compelling a question as what the ship is doing up there is: Whose ship is it? Speaking of ships, the Black Pearl is back in the mix, though this time it seems to be in the hands of nefarious Blackbeard (Ian McShane). And as Captain Barbossa explains, Blackbeard has made some unconventional improvements to the craft. “The rigging had come to life. Our own ship turned against us,” he tells Jack as we see shots of ropes whipping around like tentacles and plucking up pirates. What sort of dark magic does Blackbeard wield? A confusing one, no doubt, because after Sparrow gets caught up in the ship’s new powers, he blurts out, “Captain, I wish to report a mutiny. I can name fingers and point names!” We’ve seen plenty of mermaids floating through previous “Pirates” footage, but the new trailer gives us the most information yet about how these creatures fit into the storyline. Turns out, a mermaid is needed to locate the fountain of youth — that mythical place everyone in “On Stranger Tides” is trying to find. That explains why, as in earlier footage, we see a shot of a mermaid trapped in a seriously large fish tank. Captivity, however, can kill a mermaid. Given that under his tattoos and dreadlocks, Sparrow is a very moral guy, we suspect Jack might go from capturing a mermaid to setting one free. From the very first official “On Stranger Tides” photos , we’ve seen Jack being dragged into Old Royal Naval College by King George II’s guards and offered the job of finding the fountain of youth. But the captain isn’t one take to orders. How does he slip away from King George’s men? A clue seems to arrive in the form of Jack wearing a musty old wig and a bright red robe, just like a British judge: nothing like a clever disguise to help a pirate escape. As we mentioned, Jack’s quest for the fountain brings him into contact with lands in which the laws of physics don’t entirely apply. Early in the new trailer, for instance, a drop of water seems to fall upwards, hitting Jack’s hands as it goes. Here we see our hero in a sort of cave that has a roof of water. How exactly does something like happen? And, furthermore, how is he pulled up into the water as if by reverse gravity? We likely won’t get the full answer until the movie arrives on May 20. Check out everything we’ve got on ” Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Top Five Scenes In The New ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer

Read the original here:
New ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer: Five Key Scenes

New ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer: Five Key Scenes

The new preview gives us a few clues about Jack’s journey to the Fountain of Youth. By Eric Ditzian Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow Photo: Disney We’ve just crossed the two-month mark; there’s now a mere 59 days until “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” shoves off and into theaters. What’s more, there’s now a brand-new trailer for Johnny Depp’s seafaring 3-D adventure flick, giving us important pieces of plot info and raising all new questions about what we’re going to see when the movie debuts. As we continue to count down the days until that premiere, let’s take a look at the new trailer’s five key moments. Looks Like They Took a Wrong Turn We’ve already seen a variation of this scene — Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow walking under some kind of stone archway on an island — but in the new trailer, we see the camera push forward a little, giving us a peek at what’s on the other side: a ship perched on a cliff high above the water line. How’d it get there? Well, as we see throughout the new footage, the laws of physics get twisted in all sorts of funky ways. Just as compelling a question as what the ship is doing up there is: Whose ship is it? Speaking of ships, the Black Pearl is back in the mix, though this time it seems to be in the hands of nefarious Blackbeard (Ian McShane). And as Captain Barbossa explains, Blackbeard has made some unconventional improvements to the craft. “The rigging had come to life. Our own ship turned against us,” he tells Jack as we see shots of ropes whipping around like tentacles and plucking up pirates. What sort of dark magic does Blackbeard wield? A confusing one, no doubt, because after Sparrow gets caught up in the ship’s new powers, he blurts out, “Captain, I wish to report a mutiny. I can name fingers and point names!” We’ve seen plenty of mermaids floating through previous “Pirates” footage, but the new trailer gives us the most information yet about how these creatures fit into the storyline. Turns out, a mermaid is needed to locate the fountain of youth — that mythical place everyone in “On Stranger Tides” is trying to find. That explains why, as in earlier footage, we see a shot of a mermaid trapped in a seriously large fish tank. Captivity, however, can kill a mermaid. Given that under his tattoos and dreadlocks, Sparrow is a very moral guy, we suspect Jack might go from capturing a mermaid to setting one free. From the very first official “On Stranger Tides” photos , we’ve seen Jack being dragged into Old Royal Naval College by King George II’s guards and offered the job of finding the fountain of youth. But the captain isn’t one take to orders. How does he slip away from King George’s men? A clue seems to arrive in the form of Jack wearing a musty old wig and a bright red robe, just like a British judge: nothing like a clever disguise to help a pirate escape. As we mentioned, Jack’s quest for the fountain brings him into contact with lands in which the laws of physics don’t entirely apply. Early in the new trailer, for instance, a drop of water seems to fall upwards, hitting Jack’s hands as it goes. Here we see our hero in a sort of cave that has a roof of water. How exactly does something like happen? And, furthermore, how is he pulled up into the water as if by reverse gravity? We likely won’t get the full answer until the movie arrives on May 20. Check out everything we’ve got on ” Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Top Five Scenes In The New ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer

Read more:
New ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ Trailer: Five Key Scenes

Kelly Clarkson ‘Will Sing Her Butt Off’ On New Record, Songwriter Says

‘When it comes out, the fans will be happy … it’ll be good times,’ Claude Kelly says. By Jocelyn Vena Kelly Clarkson Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage While fans may have to wait until September to hear Kelly Clarkson ‘s new album , songwriter Claude Kelly is revealing some details about what fans will hear once the album drops. He recently worked on the album with Clarkson, and while he’s not completely sure which tracks will make the final cut, he said that Clarkson will be back bigger and better than ever. “I’m not surprised ’cause the music industry is full of unexpected things,” he said of the delay. “I will say that I’d be willing to bet that the reason it was pushed back was not for anything as horrible or earth-shattering as people think — it’s probably [just] a better setup.” Describing the current pop scene as “congested,” Claude Kelly thinks that a slightly delayed release will work in Clarkson’s favor. “They want to make sure that the arena is clean for Kelly Clarkson’s return, ’cause when she comes back, she always comes back pretty big,” he said. “They want to make sure when her first single comes out, there’s nothing out there that’s competing with it. I don’t know for sure, but Kelly always does it big, so when it comes out, the fans will be happy and she’ll sing her butt off and it’ll be good times.” Kelly and Clarkson have been working on some fun up-tempo tracks for the album. “The songs I did write for her were in true Kelly Clarkson form, singer records that showcase her voice, but also show her edge and her attitude and her personality,” he explained. “[It’s] always up-tempo for me when it comes to Kelly. I like to hear her in kick-butt mode. She has an edge to her voice that you want to hear her sing high and get in your face.” Over the weekend, Clarkson debuted a ballad titled “Why Don’t You Try” at Muhammad Ali’s 17th Annual Celebrity Fight Night in Arizona and it definitely displayed big voice. The track is a cover of songwriter Eric Hutchinson’s 2009 tune. Related Artists Kelly Clarkson

Go here to see the original:
Kelly Clarkson ‘Will Sing Her Butt Off’ On New Record, Songwriter Says

Kelly Clarkson ‘Will Sing Her Butt Off’ On New Record, Songwriter Says

‘When it comes out, the fans will be happy … it’ll be good times,’ Claude Kelly says. By Jocelyn Vena Kelly Clarkson Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage While fans may have to wait until September to hear Kelly Clarkson ‘s new album , songwriter Claude Kelly is revealing some details about what fans will hear once the album drops. He recently worked on the album with Clarkson, and while he’s not completely sure which tracks will make the final cut, he said that Clarkson will be back bigger and better than ever. “I’m not surprised ’cause the music industry is full of unexpected things,” he said of the delay. “I will say that I’d be willing to bet that the reason it was pushed back was not for anything as horrible or earth-shattering as people think — it’s probably [just] a better setup.” Describing the current pop scene as “congested,” Claude Kelly thinks that a slightly delayed release will work in Clarkson’s favor. “They want to make sure that the arena is clean for Kelly Clarkson’s return, ’cause when she comes back, she always comes back pretty big,” he said. “They want to make sure when her first single comes out, there’s nothing out there that’s competing with it. I don’t know for sure, but Kelly always does it big, so when it comes out, the fans will be happy and she’ll sing her butt off and it’ll be good times.” Kelly and Clarkson have been working on some fun up-tempo tracks for the album. “The songs I did write for her were in true Kelly Clarkson form, singer records that showcase her voice, but also show her edge and her attitude and her personality,” he explained. “[It’s] always up-tempo for me when it comes to Kelly. I like to hear her in kick-butt mode. She has an edge to her voice that you want to hear her sing high and get in your face.” Over the weekend, Clarkson debuted a ballad titled “Why Don’t You Try” at Muhammad Ali’s 17th Annual Celebrity Fight Night in Arizona and it definitely displayed big voice. The track is a cover of songwriter Eric Hutchinson’s 2009 tune. Related Artists Kelly Clarkson

Go here to see the original:
Kelly Clarkson ‘Will Sing Her Butt Off’ On New Record, Songwriter Says

‘Paul’: Five Secrets Revealed

Among the little-known details about the sci-fi comedy, director Greg Mottola tells MTV News Steven Spielberg lined up his own cameo. By Eric Ditzian Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in “Paul” Photo: Universal Pictures The origin story of “Paul,” Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s new sci-fi comedy about two English guys who encounter a goofy alien in the American Southwest, began on the soggy U.K. set of “Shaun of the Dead” in 2003. The crew had lost so many days because of rain that they started wondering how great it would be to shoot in a location where it never, ever, ever rained. “We just spit-balled from there,” Frost told MTV News recently. “No rain became the desert, the desert became Area 51 and then it was a short step to thinking about these two guys encountering an alien.”

Read more from the original source:
‘Paul’: Five Secrets Revealed

Pete Wentz Brings Black Cards To SXSW

Bassist showcases his new ‘poptimistic’ project on Wednesday night. By James Montgomery The Black Cards perform at SXSW on Wednesday Photo: Daniel Boczarski/ Getty Images AUSTIN, Texas — Is it possible that Pete Wentz is really a poptimist? Despite his dark bangs and Black Cloud missives, his best Fall Out Boy songs were always, at their very core, spiky slabs of pure pop. And no matter what may be going on in his personal life these days, his new project Black Cards seems to be solely focused around the idea of optimism. So yes, perhaps he has been — and always will be — a poptimist at heart. And that much was certainly clear during the Cards’ Wednesday night performance at South by Southwest, a 45-minute set that was as heavy on sparkly synths and bubbly dub as it was on, well, pure poptimism. Wentz even said as much himself, telling the crowd that his new mission is to “broadcast sunshine,” and that “sometimes it’s good to have summer all the time.” He declared, “It’s good to be onstage and see people smiling,” slapped high fives with strangers, and closed the set by inviting everyone in Austin club Maggie Mae’s to join him and his bandmates onstage for an impromptu dance party. And in keeping with the spirit of the night, nearly everyone in the place obliged. And in between the sunshine and the smiling, Wentz spent the majority of the Black Cards’ set pogoing around the stage, thumbing out wobbly, delirious bass lines, and generally looking happier than he has in years. In fact, he seemed perfectly content to let someone else have the spotlight — the fans, his friends in the audience (most of whom received shout-outs) and, of course, frontwoman Bebe Rexha, who was more than willing to accept. All hips and lips and breathy exclamations, Rexha quickly proved to be the perfect foil for Wentz, whether she was getting low during the Cards’ dubbier, clubbier numbers (“Dirty Little Fingerprints,” “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Fame”), vamping it up (on upcoming single “Summer Nights,” when she removed a pair of handcuffs from her belt, snapped them on the wrist of a fan and then serenaded him in sultry fashion), or just plain old belting it out (on a cover of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”). Patrick Stump she most certainly isn’t, and perhaps that’s for the best. Because, really, the Black Cards’ SXSW set wasn’t about Pete Wentz’s past so much as it was about his future. With his new project, he not only appears to be having a blast, he just may have stumbled onto something big. By combining dub, a touch of rock-steady and a whole lot of pop, he’s uncovered a recipe for something new … for him, for his fans, for everybody. “Summer Nights” seems destined to be a radio staple, “Dominos” is a starry burst of synths and bass, and performance-closing “A Club Called Heaven” probably would’ve gotten the fans dancing onstage even if Wentz hadn’t invited them to. It was, in short, poptimism, pure and simple. Not exactly new, not entirely old, with Black Cards, Pete Wentz may very well end up proving the old adage correct: Optimists are nostalgic about the future. Related Photos 2011 SXSW Music Festival Related Artists Black Cards

Excerpt from:
Pete Wentz Brings Black Cards To SXSW

Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig

‘We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media,’ the singer tells UsMagazine.com regarding her recent tabloid coverage. By Jocelyn Vena Christina Aguilera Photo: Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images While the year started off a little shaky for Christina Aguilera, a new gig as one of the judges on NBC’s upcoming TV talent competition “The Voice” may prove to be the career turnaround that the pop singer is looking for. And in a new interview, she admits that it’s not always easy having every move you make scrutinized by the public. “We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media and what people gossip about,” she tells UsMagazine.com “You take the good with the bad. It’s by telling our stories, sharing our experiences and really giving a firsthand look at us as human beings [that shows] who we really are apart from what we seem to be.” Aguilera, known for her own vocal pyrotechnics, admits that she doesn’t want potential contestants to come to the show hoping they can win by mimicking her signature style. “I am ready to share it all so I’m really excited,” she said. “I hope we can find the next biggest thing. But I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics. I really sincerely want to be moved by raw talent.” Aguilera will be joined on the “Voice” panel by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, “F— You” singer Cee Lo Green and country star Blake Shelton. She recently explained during a press event promoting the program that she and her fellow judges hope to bring positive reinforcement and not be too cruel to those trying out for the show, which premieres on April 26. “This isn’t about tearing people down. I want to bring these people up,” Aguilera maintained. “‘The Voice’ really does stand for what it says. Instinctually, you can judge people based on the way they look. I love the fact we get to sit here with our backs turned away from these people and completely use just one sense to hear these voices. I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics, who has biggest range [of] high and low. I’m looking forward to getting moved.” Are you excited to see Christina on “The Voice”? Tell us in the comments. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Christina Aguilera Related Artists Christina Aguilera

Original post:
Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig

Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig

‘We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media,’ the singer tells UsMagazine.com regarding her recent tabloid coverage. By Jocelyn Vena Christina Aguilera Photo: Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images While the year started off a little shaky for Christina Aguilera, a new gig as one of the judges on NBC’s upcoming TV talent competition “The Voice” may prove to be the career turnaround that the pop singer is looking for. And in a new interview, she admits that it’s not always easy having every move you make scrutinized by the public. “We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media and what people gossip about,” she tells UsMagazine.com “You take the good with the bad. It’s by telling our stories, sharing our experiences and really giving a firsthand look at us as human beings [that shows] who we really are apart from what we seem to be.” Aguilera, known for her own vocal pyrotechnics, admits that she doesn’t want potential contestants to come to the show hoping they can win by mimicking her signature style. “I am ready to share it all so I’m really excited,” she said. “I hope we can find the next biggest thing. But I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics. I really sincerely want to be moved by raw talent.” Aguilera will be joined on the “Voice” panel by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, “F— You” singer Cee Lo Green and country star Blake Shelton. She recently explained during a press event promoting the program that she and her fellow judges hope to bring positive reinforcement and not be too cruel to those trying out for the show, which premieres on April 26. “This isn’t about tearing people down. I want to bring these people up,” Aguilera maintained. “‘The Voice’ really does stand for what it says. Instinctually, you can judge people based on the way they look. I love the fact we get to sit here with our backs turned away from these people and completely use just one sense to hear these voices. I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics, who has biggest range [of] high and low. I’m looking forward to getting moved.” Are you excited to see Christina on “The Voice”? Tell us in the comments. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Christina Aguilera Related Artists Christina Aguilera

See more here:
Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig

Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig

‘We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media,’ the singer tells UsMagazine.com regarding her recent tabloid coverage. By Jocelyn Vena Christina Aguilera Photo: Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images While the year started off a little shaky for Christina Aguilera, a new gig as one of the judges on NBC’s upcoming TV talent competition “The Voice” may prove to be the career turnaround that the pop singer is looking for. And in a new interview, she admits that it’s not always easy having every move you make scrutinized by the public. “We’re only able to be seen through the microscope of the media and what people gossip about,” she tells UsMagazine.com “You take the good with the bad. It’s by telling our stories, sharing our experiences and really giving a firsthand look at us as human beings [that shows] who we really are apart from what we seem to be.” Aguilera, known for her own vocal pyrotechnics, admits that she doesn’t want potential contestants to come to the show hoping they can win by mimicking her signature style. “I am ready to share it all so I’m really excited,” she said. “I hope we can find the next biggest thing. But I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics. I really sincerely want to be moved by raw talent.” Aguilera will be joined on the “Voice” panel by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, “F— You” singer Cee Lo Green and country star Blake Shelton. She recently explained during a press event promoting the program that she and her fellow judges hope to bring positive reinforcement and not be too cruel to those trying out for the show, which premieres on April 26. “This isn’t about tearing people down. I want to bring these people up,” Aguilera maintained. “‘The Voice’ really does stand for what it says. Instinctually, you can judge people based on the way they look. I love the fact we get to sit here with our backs turned away from these people and completely use just one sense to hear these voices. I’m not looking for vocal acrobatics, who has biggest range [of] high and low. I’m looking forward to getting moved.” Are you excited to see Christina on “The Voice”? Tell us in the comments. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Christina Aguilera Related Artists Christina Aguilera

Read the original:
Christina Aguilera Talks Press Scrutiny, ‘The Voice’ Gig