Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Is Bristol Palin Ready for a New Reality Show?

Is Bristol Palin Ready for a New Reality Show?

Bristol Palin may not have been the best dancer on Dancing with the Stars, but the third-place winner dominated when it came to press coverage and ratings. Now that she's America's sweetheart -- well, for a good chunk of America, anyhow -- what will be the twenty-year-old single mom's next move?

Prior to DWTS, Palin was being paid big bucks to speak about teen parenthood and abstinence education. If she decided to go back to that job, she could probably double her going rate of $35K per speech, and set aside a nice little college fund for son Tripp.

However, now that she's experienced the national spotlight, Palin may be aiming a little higher. According to Popeater, she's about to become the spokesperson for "a middle America fashion brand." (We have no idea what this means. Chico's? Old Navy? A Pea in the Pod?)

The site says that Bristol also has a book deal -- and, of course, a "multi-million offer" from yet another reality show.

We all know that the reality TV train doesn't run forever (just ask Kate Gosselin), but now would be the right time for Bristol to hop on board. We imagine she'd choose something inspirational in nature: an Extreme Home Makeovers sort of show, or perhaps a series about teen moms for Oprah Winfrey's new network. Much as we'd love to see her on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here or a VH1 dating show (Bristol of Love!), we suspect that her mom Sarah Palin would veto these options faster than national health care.

For now, Bristol is back in Alaska, weighing her options. And although she's not celebrating her win, Palin must be celebrating her Dancing with the Stars earnings: over $345,000 in total!

Would you watch a Bristol Palin reality show? Chime in below!

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Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong Returning To Broadway's 'American Idiot'

Frontman will appear in 50 more performances of the musical inspired by his band's landmark punk-rock concept album.
By Gil Kaufman


Billie Joe Armstrong performs with the cast of "American Idiot" on September 28
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/ Getty Images

Talk about having the boss watching your work all the time. Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong apparently had such a blast appearing in "American Idiot," the hit Broadway show based on his band's landmark punk-rock concept album, that he's agreed to take the stage again — 50 more times, in fact.

According to an announcement on the show's website, after dropping in for a handful of turns as the character St. Jimmy, Armstrong will step into his Doc Martens again, beginning January 1 and running through February 27 at New York's St. James Theatre. The cameos will come in three stretches, from January 1-9, January 18-30 and February 10-27. The actor who originated the part on Broadway, Tony Vincent, will end his run as St. Jimmy on December 30.

The Tony-winning show based on the band's Grammy-winning 2004 album got a box-office boost when Armstrong made his Broadway debut in September during eight performances. During that stretch, ticket sales grew to more than $1 million; last week's grosses were around $600,000.

You can expect tickets for the shows with Armstrong to be a bit harder to get. While the show has been playing to just over 50 percent capacity in recent weeks, The New York Times reported that it was boasting a nearly sold-out 93.4 percent capacity reading when Armstrong joined the cast.

Though St. Jimmy doesn't show up until midway through the show, when Armstrong burst onto the stage during his September and October slots, the audience went wild as he ripped into his theme song, "St. Jimmy," and mixed in the perfect combination of cocky, sneering attitude.

By night's end, he took his curtain calls with the rest of the cast and played guitar on the evening-ending "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)," then came back out for a second bow and some hand-slapping with the patrons down front.

Will you check out Billie Joe on Broadway? Let us know in the comments!

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Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'

'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage

Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."

Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.

"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."

And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."

Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."

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The singer has nothing but praise for the two artists.


Photo: MTV News

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Emma Stone Is The Actress We're Most Thankful For In 2010

With winning turn in 'Easy A,' 'Spider-Man' casting and 'SNL' hosting gig, the 22-year-old has had quite a year.
By Eric Ditzian


Emma Stone
Photo: Fotonoticias/Getty Images

As MTV News' Thankful Week draws to a close, we begin to cast our gaze away from the big screen and towards tables soon to be the scene of turkey-crazed feasts. But we have one last honor to bestow: the actress we're most thankful for in 2010.

The winner is none other than Emma Stone, a move that completes a nifty "Spider-Man" double win, as we also honored Andrew Garfield — who's stepping into the role of Peter Parker — as the actor we're most thankful for this year. Stone won the part of Gwen Stacy in October, capping a stellar year for the 22-year-old.

From the top-notch teenage rom-com "Easy A" to her "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig to the opportunity to shoot flicks opposite the likes of Steve Carell ("Crazy, Stupid, Love") and Justin Timberlake ("Friends With Benefits"), Stone was already having a great 2010. Then "Spider-Man" director Marc Webb came calling. Her life is never going to be the same — and she couldn't be more excited.

The always-energetic actress called up MTV News in the midst of "Spider-Man" preproduction to talk about what a surreal year it's been and how she's dealing with the pressures of taking on the iconic Marvel series.

MTV: Thanks for calling up to chat.

Emma Stone: Thank you for having me!

MTV: Well, you're going to be very excited in a second.

Stone: What is it? What's it going to be? You like how I'm excited at the mere mention that I'm going to be excited?

MTV: Uh-oh, I really have to come through now. Look out your window — there's a blimp with your face on it!

Stone: Oh my god, it's so beautiful, I'm looking right now! You wanna know what's really insane about that? I actually pulled back the curtain and looked at the sky.

MTV: I'm sorry to disappoint, but I can tell you that every year we honor various people we're thankful for, and this year you're the woman we're most thankful for.

Stone: Oh my god, shut up! Get out of here! I prepared a 10-minute speech, is that OK?

MTV: I'm afraid we don't have enough time. You know, the man we're most thankful for this year is your "Spider-Man" co-star Andrew Garfield.

Stone: Hey, I know that guy! We've met. He's the worst!

MTV: I won't tell him you said that. It has been quite a year for you. "Easy A" gets a great reaction, you're shooting movies with people like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling, you host "Saturday Night Live," and then you land "Spider-Man." Does 2010 feel like a landmark year?

Stone: It feels kind of scary saying this because that means it's only downhill, but it's been the best year of my life. Not just with how lucky I've been work-wise, but with my family and friends. I'm totally terrified for 2011. I have such a disaster mentality, it's not even funny.

MTV: Which raises the question, are you ready for something as big as "Spider-Man"? Can you ever be ready for something like that?

Stone: The way I have to approach it, and I think Andrew would agree, is just like any other movie. You're going to put the same amount of focus into this that you would with anything. It just happens to be an exponentially bigger budget. So there's that. It'll probably feel different when we start to do press, but we won't have to deal with that for another year and a half. And there are harnesses I'm going to have to use in this one. That's the only difference: just the harnesses.

MTV: Seriously, though, it's been quite a year for you with onscreen love interests. The women in the office are jealous — Penn Badgley, Timberlake, Gosling, Garfield. You're a lucky woman ...

Stone: What can I say? You cannot compare them. They are so wonderful in their own ways. Again, it's been an amazing year.

MTV: Has there been one surreal point in particular that kind of encapsulates 2010 for you?

Stone: Hosting "Saturday Night Live." That's always been my ultimate dream. That moment before you come out those doors when Don Pardo says your name and you're standing there ... I had never let myself imagine what that would feel like. That moment when you walk through those doors was probably the most surreal moment, not just of this year, but ever.

MTV: So you guys are in rehearsals for "Spider-Man," right? What is that process like at this point?

Stone: Today I went and did hair tests, because I have blonde hair now since Gwen has blonde hair. My natural hair is blonde, so it's kind of nice. I looked in the mirror and said, "Oh my god, it's me again, it's been so long!" We're finalizing the visual stuff. And I think we'll start actually rehearsing, because we start shooting in two weeks. Andrew and I went and learned about science yesterday. Gwen really likes science, so we learned about science. I was homeschooled, so I never went to chemistry class in a traditional setting like Gwen is into. That was really beneficial.

MTV: There seemed to be so much competition for the role of Gwen Stacy. Do you ever think, "Why me?" What do you think won you the part?

Stone: I ask myself that question every day. I have no f---ing idea. It's the most amazing idea, I can't even tell you. I don't think I ever will figure out how it happened. It's been mind-blowing. I know things will eventually change, so I'm just trying to avoid thinking about it and just enjoy it while it's happening. Ugh, what am I even saying? Don't write any of that down!

Thanksgiving is a time for taking stock, expressing gratitude and, most importantly, overeating. We at MTV News have been gorging all year at movie theaters, so it's about time we looked back and gave thanks to our favorite actors and filmmakers of 2010. Enjoy exclusive interviews with our winners all week long.

Check out everything we've got on "Spider-Man."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Angelina and Brad Celebrate Pax's 7th Birthday in Paris

Angelina and Brad Celebrate Pax's 7th Birthday in Paris

Though he turns 7 on Monday, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt got their son Pax's birthday celebration underway early with festivities any kid would dream of: a hot-air balloon ride and a party cruise on riverboat in Paris, People reports.

Along with son Maddox (who turned 9 in August) and daughters Zahara, 5, and Shiloh, 4 (2-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox were not present), the family enjoyed a whirlwind day around Paris, including a tethered hot-air balloon at the riverside Parc André Citroen in the Left Bank. The balloon's operator told People that Pax and his brothers and sisters were "charming" and "excited, but well behaved." 

The world's most famous family spent 20 minutes in the balloon and had, as the operator called it, "a little moment of peace." Still despite the fact that they are, arguably, the most well-known people on the planet, they certainly didn't act that way. "They were like any other family," the operator told People. "There was nothing out of the ordinary to tell you about them which made them any different from any other family."

But, their not-so-ordinary day didn't stop at just a balloon ride, as they then rented a luxurious riverboat for a birthday cruise. The family enjoyed a 90-minute ride on the Josephine boat (which was decorated in blue and yellow balloons and had cakes and sweets for Pax) on the Seine.

"Angelina is a very beautiful woman in person. She was friendly and spoke to me," a female crew member told People. "Brad is very, very nice and very outgoing. He played a lot with the kids."

No surprise there to hear about doting dad Brad! The actor also took daughters Zahara and Shiloh shopping over the weekend and just a few weeks ago took birthday boy Pax and his older brother Maddox to the New York City premiere of his new animated flick Megamind.

What do you think of Pax Jolie-Pitt's 7th birthday celebration? Chime in below!

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Usher Dazzles On The VMA Stage With 'DJ' And 'OMG'

Ush combined his legendary dance skills with spectacular special effects.
By Rochell D. Thomas


Usher performs at the 2010 VMAs
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Call it what you will: talent, swag, skills. But one thing's true about Usher Terry Raymond IV: When he steps on the dance floor, some mysterious thing comes out of him and puts the G in groove. After he was tapped to perform at the 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards, executive producer Dave Sirulnick challenged Usher to "show why you're king," and the 31-year-old Grammy winner didn't disappoint.

As predicted by the lucky few who got a peek at Thursday's practice performance for his hit "OMG," Ush pulled off moves that would make the late great Michael Jackson jealous in a mammoth stage production that included more special-effects bells and whistles than a summer blockbuster.

Usher opened the performance with "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love," perched two flights above the stage on a ledge surrounded by blinding green laser lights. Then he slid, with the help of barely visible wires and mounts, down a flight, all the while popping and locking. When the father of two finally ticked his way down to stage level, he was surrounded by an army of dancers also clad in black suits with white stripes designed to toss and catch special effect lights.

Directed by Anthony Mandler, Usher's "OMG" clip earned Best Male Video, Best Dance Music Video and Best Choreography Moonman nominations. During the pre-show, Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" beat it in the Best Dance category, where Raymond was, for many, the lead contender.

If Usher was disappointed, he didn't let it show. When he launched the "OMG" portion of his performance, the stage seemed to disappear, as red laser lights moved forward in blinding configurations spelling out O.M.G. and Usher's name. More dancers lowered from the ceiling on Cirque du Soleil-esque contraptions, dipping in and out of the red beams. Such a 3-D light display could probably have been seen from the moon, if it weren't for the roof of the Nokia Theatre.

Usher ended his set standing, head back, with his arms outstretched in the Jesus pose. He didn't say a word. Didn't need to.

The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there's plenty of 2010 MTV Video Music Awards news, interviews, behind-the-scenes scoop, party reports and more still to come, so keep it locked on MTVNews.com.

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Monday, November 29, 2010

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens: Independence Day Couple

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Justin Bieber Posts 'It Gets Better' Video

'I just wanted to say there's nothing cool about being a bully,' singer says.
By Gil Kaufman


Justin Bieber in his "It Gets Better" video
Photo: Warner Bros.

Justin Bieber has joined the ranks of stars speaking out against bullying. The 16-year-old American Music Award-winning singer recently spoke to talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres about his own bullying experience, and in an "It Gets Better" clip that debuted on DeGeneres' site on Monday, he urged his fans to take action if they see someone being bullied.

In the 20-second video, Bieber, wearing a black T-shirt and backward black baseball cap, says, "Hey guys, I'm Justin Bieber. I just wanted to say there's nothing cool about being a bully. And if you're getting bullied, make sure to tell someone and, you know, it gets better. And if you're a bystander, make sure to step in and, you know, help out."

The clip appeared to have been filmed during Bieber's appearance on DeGeneres' show earlier this month, when he discussed his own experiences with bullying.

"Everybody goes through bullying," he said on the show. "Everybody has, even me. On my YouTube page, there are so many haters. They just say crazy stuff. Like, I'm not mad, I'm 16 and I don't have chest hair. I'm not angry about it at the moment. That will come. People are like, 'Look at him, he puts helium in his voice before he sings.' You just have to laugh at yourself. It's funny." His appearance on the show came shortly after he was reportedly bullied while playing laser tag in Canada in October.

Bieber also had a similar message for those who see bullying going on around them. "There are so many bullies. It goes on so much," he told DeGeneres. "I think that you should ... especially if you are a bystander, you definitely should help out because it could be you next."

In the laser-tag incident last month, a 12-year-old boy allegedly used an anti-gay slur against Bieber after overzealously targeting the "Baby" singer during a heated match.

Bieber joins a long list of stars and politicians who have joined the "It Gets Better" anti-bullying campaign, including President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Adam Lambert, Aubrey O'Day, Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Katy Perry, who dedicated her "Firework" clip to the campaign.

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Anne Hathaway & James Franco: Confirmed Oscar Hosts

As a follow-up to the earlier GossipCenter story, Anne Hathaway and James Franco have been confirmed as the hosts of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.

The ?Love and Other Drugs? babe and the ?Pineapple Express? stud will join forces when the Oscars kick off on February 27th, 2011.

The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences took to the official Twitter page to share the good news earlier today.

And it will be Anne and James? first time filling the hosting duties. Last year, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did the honors.

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Lance Bass: Justin Timberlake's Too Busy for an *NSYNC Reunion

Lance Bass: Justin Timberlake's Too Busy for an *NSYNC Reunion

Beloved boy bands New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys have teamed up to form a nostalgic heartthrob super group called NKOTBSB. But after their debut performance at the American Music Awards earlier this week, fans of another pop group are getting a little jealous.

So, when can we expect an *NSYNC comeback?

Unfortunately, fans of the rival pop group shouldn't be holding their breath for a tour. *NSYNC's own Lance Bass told E! Online backstage at the AMAs, "I don't see that coming anytime soon." The biggest deterring factor: his former band mate, mega-star Justin Timberlake.

"Justin's very busy with his acting career right now, so I think it's going to be quite a while before we even think about doing anything," Bass said. This year alone, Timberlake has starred in two films, including the critically acclaimed The Social Network, which earned him early Oscar buzz

Okay, so Timberlake may be a little too cool for a boy-band reunion. But that doesn't mean Bass and his fellow *NSYNC-ers (JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone) couldn't go it alone! "I love being on the stage," Bass told E! "So yeah, anytime the guys would want to do an album, I'm in!"

While fans eagerly wait to see if another *NSYNC tour or album ever happens (or a new Timberlake solo album, for that matter), Rolling Stone had their own ideas on how the group could still have their own comeback, despite the circumstances. BSB is going on with their tour, even with founding member Kevin Richardson opting out. But, could a non-Timberlake *NSYNC tour work? 

RS theorizes that the guys could be successful on their own. In fact, they may even be able to change Timberlake's mind. "Maybe when he sees how easily his former group starts raking in money he'll be down for a handful of shows," the magazine said.

While the band would surely take a hit from the absence of their most swoon-worthy member, we're guessing there are still a few die-hard fans who would pay big bucks to hear "Bye Bye Bye" one more time.

Do you think *NSYNC should do a reunion tour? Chime in below!

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Robert Plant And Alison Krauss Win Grammy Album Of The Year

Raising Sand, from Led Zeppelin vet and bluegrass superstar, wins five Grammys on Sunday night.
By James Montgomery with MTV News staff


Alison Krauss and Robert Plant accept the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

"I'm bewildered," Robert Plant said onstage as he accepted the Grammy Album of the Year award with Alison Krauss on Sunday night. "In the old days we would have called this selling out, but it's a good way to spend a Sunday."

He was probably one of the few who were surprised, because Raising Sand, which won five trophies at Sunday night's show, is in many ways the perfect Grammy album. It features two respected veterans, a critically lauded producer, some sandpaper-and-velvet vocals and a baker's dozen of time-tested standards.

You're probably familiar with Robert Plant from his Led Zeppelin days, and you might be aware of producer T-Bone Burnett's work on the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2002). And if you don't know who Alison Krauss is, she possesses a haunting set of pipes and is one of the meanest fiddle players in the world. Oh, and she's won 21 Grammys, more than any other female artist and the seventh-most in history.

Really, she's the key to Sand's success, and not just because of her voice (or her fiddle playing). She and Plant first met in 2004, at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute to legendary bluesman Leadbelly, and the former Zeppelin man was amazed by her knowledge of American Roots music — so much so that they began kicking around the idea of recording an album together. Three years later, Sand was released.

And while Plant possesses the more famous voice, the album's finest moments radiate from Krauss. Whether she's getting bluesy on Little Milton's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" or entwining with Plant's husky voice on songs like "Please Read the Letter" and Roly Salley's winsome "Killing the Blues," she more than carries her end of the bargain.

And perhaps that's also due to producer Burnett, who handpicked the 13 songs the duo cover on Sand. His arrangements are sparse — giving the two voices ample room to breathe — yet dense, warm and crackling at the same time. It's a testament to his work that he's often given just as much billing as Plant and Krauss on the project ... and it's certainly justified.

To date, Sand has sold more than 1 million copies, heaped tons of acclaim and actually earned a Grammy last year — "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.

One expert was surprised not by the album's success, but by the fact that it's actually quite a good album.

"At first, the album seemed like a vanity project. ... Two names, clearly a one-off record, didn't have to be any good, you know?" New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica said. "Led Zeppelin fans would buy it because of Robert Plant, Alison Krauss would get a check. But it actually turned out to be a really thoughtful, really good record. So when you combine all that with the fact that the Grammys love to lionize one of their own, I could really see it taking home some awards."

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Leslie Nielsen Dead At 84

'Airplane!' and 'Naked Gun' star passed away on Sunday.
By Gil Kaufman


Leslie Nielsen
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Leslie Nielsen has died.

Surely, you can't be serious. Yes, the comedy great and "Airplane!" star passed away on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 84 after being treated for pneumonia. And don't call me Shirley.

It was lines like the above, delivered in Nielsen's patented deadpan, that gave the dramatic stage and screen actor an unlikely comedic revival later in life.

After beginning his career in the 1950s as a matinee idol, taking on the roles of dashing heroes in films such as the sci-fi classic "Forbidden Planet" and the stalwart captain in 1972's "The Poseidon Adventure," the Canadian-born actor switched gears in 1980 and took a chance with a slapstick disaster-movie spoof that would forever change his life.

Nielsen was at first reluctant to take on the role of the clueless Dr. Alan Rumack, but the white-haired, hilariously dopey MD became the comedic find of a lifetime, as the actor managed to steal the show in a movie packed with dozens of classic one-liners thanks to his impeccable timing and serious delivery.

It was an unlikely, but ultimately lucrative left turn in a long career that spanned more than 100 movies and 1,500 television appearances.

Born Leslie William Nielsen in Regina, Saskatchewan, on February 11, 1926, Nielsen signed up with the Royal Canadian Air Force before turning 18 and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II, but never saw action. He tried his hand at radio and studied acting, landing his television debut in 1950 as part of the "Actor's Studio" TV series. He spent the next several years bouncing around different TV shows, including "Lights Out" and "Tales of Tomorrow," and working in a Broadway play before landing his film debut in 1956 in "Ransom!"

Even as his movie career blossomed, Nielsen kept returning to TV to play earnest heroes in shows like "Rawhide" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." He continued bouncing back and forth between the big and small screens throughout the 1960s and '70s, appearing in hit shows like "M*A*S*H" and "Barnaby Jones" while taking small roles in little-seen films such as "Project: Kill" and "Day of the Animals."

By the late 1970s, he was on the "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat" celebrity-cameo circuit when producers/directors/writers Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker came knocking with "Airplane!" The slapstick film was not only a box-office success, but it recast Nielsen in a whole new light that the actor clearly relished. Following "Airplane!" he again stuck with the Zuckers for their six-episode 1982 "Police Squad!" TV series, in which he again spoofed a popular genre he had once played it straight in, police procedurals, giving the world the bumbling detective Frank Drebin.

He spent the rest of the 1980s mostly doing comedic cameos in films and spot appearances on series such as "227" and "Highway to Heaven." Mining the "Police Squad!" vein once more, he hit paydirt again in 1988 with the movie spoof "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" in which he revived the Drebin character. A series of sequels followed in 1991 and 1994, but Nielsen would never again capture the comedic imagination as he did at his second career peak.

By the 2000s he was mostly seen in cameos in the "Scary Movie" franchise — including a spot in the upcoming fifth installment — and other spoofs such as "2001: A Space Travesty."

What's your favorite Leslie Nielsen line? Share it in the comments!

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Usher Most Admires Justin Bieber's 'Excitement And Innocence'

Bieber's mentor tells MTV News the teen sensation has 'so much more in store for the future.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Tim Kash


Usher and Justin Bieber at the 2010 AMAs
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

With so much accomplished in 2010, Justin Bieber has certainly set the bar high for 2011. But the teen singer is already gearing up for next year. Bieber will not only release his much-anticipated 3-D flick, "Never Say Never", but he has also teased that he'd like to release an album of all-new material sometime later next year.

His mentor, Usher, thinks that at this point, the sky's the limit.

"As far as music and entertainment, that's the beginning," Usher told MTV News at Sunday's AMAs, where Bieber performed and took home four awards.

"There's so much more in store for the future, or at least there's a ton of things we can do and will, and with the support of his fans who will continue to just grow and grow and grow."

At 16, Bieber has accomplished what few manage with many more years in the music business, but Usher said he wants to ensure that Bieber doesn't stop enjoying it all as his popularity continues to grow and his schedule gets busier.

Asked what he admires most about Justin, Usher said, "His excitement and innocence in it. And I don't mean that in a light way because I think that he's absolutely enjoying every moment of it, as any young man his age would, but in a different way because [of] the hard work that has gone in and led to the dream that has become a reality. And every time you have an opportunity do something incredible, I tell him to do his best and be conscious that what you're doing today should last forever and eternity."

What did you think of Justin's AMA performance on Sunday? Tell us in the comments!

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Jay DeMarcus? Christmas Wish? A Colic-Free Baby!

"[For Christmas I want] a happy, healthy baby," the Rascal Flatts bassist told PEOPLE Wednesday at an N.Y.C. event announcing their partnership with JCPenney's ?Angel Giving Tree? program. "And if it's not too much to ask for Santa, preferably a baby without colic."

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I managed to avoid all shopping yesterday on Black Friday because I was too bizzy chilllin’ at home watchin’ movies on the couch. I did manage to get out of the house last night to meet up with my new friend Jen for dinner at Dominick’s. She and I had the best time … we [...]

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Justin Bieber's New 'Never Say Never' Trailer Plays Up 3-D

Bieber flies across the screen spraying silly string and throwing popcorn in just-released sneak peek.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber in "Never Say Never"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

In October, Justin Bieber debuted the first trailer for his February 3-D flick "Never Say Never." And on Monday (November 22), just one day after his big night at the AMAs, a new trailer for the flick hit the Internet.

The sneak peek opens with classical music playing as the screen reads, "This Valentine's Day," over an image of Bieber. Soon, the singer is spraying silly string as the screen reads, "See Bieber like never before." Then, Bieber throws popcorn at the camera — all tricks to play up the film being in 3-D.

Soon, a montage of Bieber as a kid flashes across the screen along with concert video and behind-the-scenes footage of the singer with various people in Bieber's camp sharing tidbits about the singer, including "He could really be huge, if he wanted" and "He's 16, and he's doing it all on his own."

At the end of the trailer, Bieber is seen learning about the cameras used to shoot his 3-D flick as he sticks out 3-D glasses and looks into a screen seeing what the 3-D will look like. "That's sick, right?" he says. "It looks like it's about to hit that guy in the head."

It was just announced that fans can catch a sneak-peek screening of the film February 9, two days before it officially hits theaters. They'll be surprised just to see I'm a regular person," he said. "I'm a regular teenage boy. I like girls, and I like to hang out with my friends. It's gonna be taking them into my world, but also like it's their world, 'cause it's just normal."

What do you think of the new trailer? Share your reviews in the comments!

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'Spider-Man' Star Andrew Garfield Is The Actor We're Most Thankful For In 2010

His Oscar-worthy turn in 'The Social Network,' 'Spider-Man' casting and overall humility have endeared the young actor to MTV News.
By Eric Ditzian


Andrew Garfield
Photo: Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic

He plastered an all-too-human face on the backstabby founding of Facebook in "The Social Network" and just might win an Oscar for his troubles. He healed our broken geeky hearts when he assumed the role of Peter Parker after the "Spider-Man" franchise collapsed unexpectedly in January. And let's not forget his powerful performance as a cloned human desperate to prove he has in a soul in the underrated adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Booker Prize-winning novel "Never Let Me Go."

For all of these reasons — as well as for being such a damn nice fellow — Andrew Garfield is the man MTV News is most thankful for in 2010.

Just don't tell that to him. Humble as ever despite talk of awards-season love and the prospect of taking on one of pop culture's most beloved superheroes, Garfield has trouble accepting the fact that he's deserving of all the hype. A conversation with him veers through talk of insecurities, I-better-not-screw-this-up fears and the self-consciously naive hope that his life isn't about to change forever.

He is, in other words, an utterly charming guy, and we can't wait to see what he brings to the screen in 2011.

MTV: So every year, we look back at the film folks we're truly thankful for, and this year, you're the man we're most thankful for. Congrats!

Andrew Garfield: Wow, that's stupid. That's very, very silly. I guess if I make you feel better about yourselves, that makes sense.

MTV: We're very insecure.

Garfield: No, I'm very insecure! I'm incredibly insecure. That's crazy, but it's very flattering.

MTV: Do you have a speech prepared for the occasion?

Garfield: Yes, I would like to, first and foremost, thank you for inflating my ego. I really only want to thank you.

MTV: It's been quite a year for you, with "Never Let Me Go" and then "Social Network" and then you obviously landed "Spider-Man." Does 2010 feel like a landmark year for you?

Garfield: I feel incredibly lucky that I've had the good fortune to work with people and on projects I care about. From "Never Let Me Go" to "I'm Here," a short film I did with Spike Jonze, to the David Fincher thing, "The Social Network," with all the casts and crews — I don't take that lightly. It's inspiring, and you feed off it. In that way, I'm incredibly happy. And moving on to the next job I'm going to be shooting, being given that responsibility, I see it as a real gift. It's a character — I'm talking about the Spider-person — I've known for my whole life. He's been a presence in my upbringing and a very symbolic figure and force of manhood and bravery and a moral compass. All of those things that have shaped me as a person, he's been very much involved in.

MTV: It seems like maybe you were fairly well known in the U.K., but until recently, not many people in the U.S. knew who you were. How has your day-to-day life changed, if at all?

Garfield: It hasn't changed yet. I say "yet" as if that will happen. Maybe naively, I think my life is going to stay the same in terms of anonymity. I feel it's so important to have a normal life, to be able to walk down a city street and have a normal human experience in order to reflect that in the work. Otherwise, you can't relate. It's so funny how actors are perceived. It's craziness. Even the way I got when I met Doc Brown the other day. What's his name?

MTV: Christopher Lloyd from "Back to the Future"?

Garfield: Yeah, I met Christopher Lloyd. I lost my mind. I turned into a schoolgirl. I started screaming in his face. I went insane. But I guess because his performances had such a profound effect on me, it was like meeting a hero. I personally haven't been on the receiving end of that, thankfully.

MTV: Well, people aren't probably walking around shouting at you, "Hey, Eduardo," your character from "Social Network," but you'll probably be getting a lot of, "Hey, Peter Parker!"

Garfield: Unless they let me play Peter Parker with a disguise so no one sees my face. I'll play him with a beard and mustache.

MTV: Maybe a little "Benjamin Button"-style CGI facial work ...

Garfield: Yeah, they could face-replace me, and then it'll just be my body. People will recognize some other, better actor's face.

MTV: You should bring that up with Sony.

Garfield: You think they'll like it?

MTV: Totally. ... I mean, not a chance. Anyway, has there been a surreal moment from 2010 that kind of encapsulates what a crazy year it's been for you?

Garfield: I did have a strange moment when I was told I was going to play this role. I was like, "Oh, wow, this is something I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid." There was a moment of total boyish excitement. It was this cosmic convergence where I was in the past, present and future all at once. In the future, I was thinking about my nephews that are going to have an uncle who's Spider-Man, but then I thought that could be bad because kids can bully you for any reason, and it's like, "Where's your uncle now when I'm beating the sh-- out of you?" I'll have to go to their school a lot, but by that time I'll be really old and fat and no one will believe I was Spider-Man. Then I was thinking about the past and when I was first shown a "Spider-Man" comic. It inspired me because I was one of those people who felt stronger on the inside than they looked on the outside. And then in the present moment, I was thinking this moment is something I'll never forget.

Thanksgiving is a time for taking stock, expressing gratitude and, most importantly, overeating. We at MTV News have been gorging all year at movie theaters, so it's about time we looked back and gave thanks to our favorite actors and filmmakers of 2010. Enjoy exclusive interviews with our winners all week long.

Check out everything we've got on "The Social Network" and "Spider-Man."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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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.

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Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover

Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman


Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox

Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."

That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.

The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.

For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.

Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.

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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Eureka?s Colin Ferguson is a very talented actor and if you watch the show you know what I am talking about. What many of us fan?s of Colin?s didn?t know is that he is also an amazing director and his directing talent can be seen in the upcoming SyFy original movie Triassic Attack.




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BIG Lady GaGa News!

We've got some new deets about her new album!
A Perezilicious reader was at a GaGa concert in Gdansk, Poland and said that the Lady herself talked about her new record!!
She said that it is quite possible that her upcoming album will consist of 20 tracks!!
20 tracks!! WOW!! We are beyond excited for this!
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Katy Perry: 2011 European tour dates

Katy Perry

The "Teenage Dreams" darling, Katy Perry took time out for a photo spread to adorn the November 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. In the accompanying interview, Miss Perry chatted about music and her man, as she said, "My record is like an airplane's black box. That's where all the information is. If you want to know what happened or what my viewpoints are, it's all right there. All the walls come down in my songs. Songwriting is like an anvil lifting off my chest." As for fiance Russell Brand, the soon-to-be 26-year-old tells, "He tells me I'm the most beautiful girl in the world every day. He constantly reminds me. He never lets me forget it." Perry has also just recently released her 2011 European tour dates, with the full listing as follows: Sunday, February 20 Lisbon, Portugal: Campo Pequeno Wednesday, February 23 Milan, Italy: Palasharp Friday, February 25 Zurich, Switzerland: Hallenstadion Saturday, February 26 Munich, Germany: Zenith Sunday, February 27 Vienna, Austria: Gasometer Friday, March 4 Berlin, Germany: Columbiahalle Sunday, March 6 Offenbach, Germany: Stadthalle Monday, March 7 Paris, France: Zenith Thursday, March 10 Brussels, Belgium: Forest National Friday, March 11 Cologne, Germany: Palladium Monday, March 14 Hamburg, Germany: Sporthalle Tuesday, March 15 Amsterdam, Holland: HMH Thursday, March 17 & Friday, March 18 London, UK: HMV Hammersmith Apollo Monday, March 21 & Tuesday, March 22 Manchester, UK: Apollo Monday, March 28 Dublin, Ireland: O2 Arena Wednesday, March 30 Nottingham, UK: Trent FM Arena Thursday, March 31 Bournemouth, UK: BIC Friday, April 1 Cardiff, UK: Cardiff International Arena Sunday, April 3 Newcastle, UK: Metro Radio Arena Monday, April 4 Birmingham, UK: LG Arena Tuesday, April 5 Glasgow, UK: SECC Hall 3 [gallery=741]

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Photos | The 2010 Soul Train Awards Nominees

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"Harry Potter" Gobbles Up Box Office Competition

Always one of he busier stretches of days at the theaters, Thanksgiving weekend brought out a range of new releases - though none of them were able to top last weekend's big winner "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I".

The Daniel Radcliffe/Emma Watson offering will have pulled in an approximate $81 million over the five day holiday weekend time-span, good enough to maintain the number one spot.

Aside from "Harry Potter," Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi's animated Disney feature "Tangled" did much better than expected by earning an estimated $73 million over the five day stretch.

Rounding out the top five over Thanksgiving weekend were "Megamind 3D" ($19.7 million), along with "Unstoppable" and "Burlesque" - which both were headed towards $17 million takes.


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Stone Temple Pilots Reunited In Hopes Of Opening For Led Zeppelin, Bassist Says

'If time allows, there will definitely be new music,' Robert DeLeo adds of STP's future.
By Chris Harris


Stone Temple Pilots' Robert DeLeo and Scott Weiland
Photo: Charley Gallay/ Getty Images

There are a number of reasons why Stone Temple Pilots decided to reunite after nearly five years apart — some are obvious, and others, not so much.

Of course, the financial windfall of reviving the grunge stalwarts for an extensive U.S. tour was too good to pass up, and bassist Robert DeLeo readily admits as much. And then there are the fans, the ones who had been with STP since the very beginning as well as those who discovered the band only after it first split back in 2003 and who, woefully, have yet to catch the Pilots live.

On a more personal level, though, Stone Temple Pilots' resurrection was purely selfish, and very much an anticipatory (not to mention optimistic) move on the band's part: If, after the months and months of rumors and denials, there ever is a full-on Led Zeppelin reunion tour, STP wanted to be ready to offer their services as an opening act.

"Believe me, that was one of the reasons," laughed DeLeo. "We thought, 'We should get together now, in case Zeppelin does tour.' I'm serious, man. That would be one hell of a bill: STP and Led Zeppelin. I mean, we could play a doghouse, out in the middle of the ocean, and if I got to play with Zeppelin, that would be a highlight of my life."

Yes, DeLeo — and the rest of the band — had several reservations about raising STP from the dead — a feat DeLeo jokingly referred to as "Mission Impossible." For the band's members, the idea of regrouping was terrifying at first, but with time, the boys settled their differences and tried to think positive.

"For me, it was about putting down some of the things that I was used to getting bitten by," explained the bassist — who, with guitar-playing brother Dean DeLeo, has been collaborating with Peter Frampton on material for his next LP. "After you get bitten, it's hard to go back. I wanted to go into this with an open frame of mind and a positive attitude and just have fun with it. We should have fun with it, which God knows we didn't always have with our career when we were younger. If that's all I can say, and that's what I can get out of this reunion, great.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say there's a lot of unfinished business that we didn't get around to the first go," he continued. "Enough time has gone by, and it feels really good to be back. I don't really want to put too much thought into how it feels — I'm just kind of going with it and keeping a good positive attitude about it. I just needed to get over the things that we all needed to get over, and that's been working so far. If everyone shows up and does this thing, I think it's going to be really amazing."

DeLeo claims that during recent rehearsals, STP were "sounding as good as ever," and he credits sobriety as part of the reason the band's in tip-top shape.

"My brother's going on four years of sobriety," he said. "We have a lot more clarity in the band now, and I think with clarity comes appreciation. I saw that the other night, when we played [a secret gig in Los Angeles]. I saw it in my eyes, and in the eyes of the rest of the band. There's a lot more rock in this band now."

As for an STP record, DeLeo is not 100 percent sure that's going to happen. The goal for STP over the next few weeks, he said, is to reacquaint themselves with their songbook and prepare for their return to the road. Once the band is back in that mindset, the bassist said new STP material is very possible.

"I've always got stuff written, and there's always a long list of songs that are always there — it's a matter of timing," DeLeo said. "If time allows, there will definitely be new music. I think it would be silly not to release new music. I'd like to believe we still have a writing relationship, but the first step is getting reacquainted with what we know."

While STP were on hiatus, frontman Scott Weiland teamed up with Velvet Revolver, and the DeLeo brothers joined forces with Filter's Richard Patrick for Army of Anyone — who are now on hiatus after releasing a poorly received self-titled LP. Does DeLeo foresee an AOA reunion somewhere down the line?

"You never know," he said. "It's just like STP — I didn't know if I was going to return. Whether we get back together and do anything, I think we made a great record, bottom line. That's all that matters to me. If we make another one, I want to make sure it's great, and that applies to STP and anything I do. But I was pretty heartbroken over [the feeble response to AOA's album]."

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