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Lady Gagas Daring Fashion Makes Her A VMA Icon
Sun, 5 Sep 2010 01:31:37 EDT

Armed with multiple dressing rooms and costume changes, Gaga makes a memorable debut.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Lady Gaga performs at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards
Photo: Getty Images

After the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga was no longer just another face in the pantheon of rising pop stars who occasionally hit the red carpet in a zany getup. She became, undeniably, a star.

In an evening packed with an all-star tribute to Michael Jackson, an elaborate Taylor Swift performance in a New York City subway station and headline-hogging stage-crashing moments, Gaga still stood out. It wasnt just her blood-smeared rendition of "Paparazzi" that scored fans attention; it was her eye-popping, show-topping, OMG-inducing style. In the MTV special "The VMAs: Revealed - Presented by New 5 React Gum," VMA insiders broke down exactly how her inventive fashion made for one of the most legendary debuts in the shows history.

Ultimately, five game-changing Gaga looks were broadcast to viewers that evening, but the pop star and her team came ready to rock a bunch of outfits. "She showed up with racks and racks of clothes," dressing room production assistant Katie Meath said. "We had five P.A.s carry everything up and we went back for another round."

"I remember one thing. It looked like a black dominatrix outfit but there were spikes. There was a lot going on," dressing room production assistant Anthony Deleo added.

Dealing with a gaggle of style choices, Gaga didnt have the time to get tripped up by the backstage mayhem, and show organizers had to figure out a way for the star to hop in and out of her complex outfits with ease.

"The day before the show we had rehearsals. We actually had a stopwatch just timing ourselves. We really didnt have enough time to take her to her second-floor dressing room," said Ernesto Elias of MTV Music & Talent. "We created a quick-change room right off the side of the stage."

Gaga took home the Moonman for Best New Artist but by wriggling in and out of her fashion-forward costumes within minutes and hustling back to her seat in time to make a series of unforgettable cutaways, she also nabbed the honor of staging one of the most memorable VMA debuts ever.

"Weve seen it all, weve done it all," VMA director Hamish Hamilton said. "There we all were ... kind of mesmerized in Gaga-dom."

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

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Katy Perry, Russell Brands Love Story Began At The VMAs
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 05:04:27 EDT

Russ-Kats backstage interactions are broken down in The VMAs: Revealed
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Katy Perry and Russell Brand
Photo: Jeff Vespa/ Getty Images

MTV Video Music Award nominee and California Gurl Katy Perry has summed up the main reason why fans tune in to the madness every year: "The VMAs are always the best show to watch because anything can happen. And you know us musicians, were psychos!"

Theyre also suckers for love. No one can deny that VMAs usually serves up plethora of onscreen antics but for Perry and comedian Russell Brand, the real cant-miss moments happened backstage. The duo are engaged and set to get hitched later this year, but it all began when they snagged each others attention at the 2008 festivities. In the special "The VMAs: Revealed - Presented by New 5 React Gum," insiders uncover the beginning of their road to matrimony.

Many reports have pegged the start of the couples relationship to their first encounter on the set of the comedy "Get Him to the Greek." But, more specifically, they met when "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" filmmaker Nick Stoller set up a shoot at the VMAs to score celeb cameos for his Aldous Snow spin-off.

"They wanted hot young female artists to be part of the movie," explained VMA producer Jane Mun. "So, Christina Aguilera was performing, they got her, Pink and Katy Perry." Perry and Brand filmed a lip-lock for the movie and while the scene stayed on the cutting-room floor, the chemistry between the two began to heat up.

"Katy Perry, Oh my god! I was so inspired by Katy Perrys songs message [I Kissed a Girl] that Im currently going through nine Chapsticks a day and my penis has never felt more moisturized," Brand quipped after the singer performed in 2008. Perry definitely got the joke and laughed, "I love him!"

The only problem was that Perry was still entwined with Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. But when Perry returned to the 2009 VMAs as a single lady, it was on. When it came to orchestrating a grand entrance for returning master of ceremonies Brand, VMA folks thought the pop star could play a key role.

"Shes had a huge year," said show executive producer Dave Sirulnick. "So [we thought] lets ask Katy if she would sing [Queens] We Will Rock You. "

The pop diva apparently rocked more than just the stage, because after flirting their way through rehearsals, producers saw the British funnyman promising to call Perry later on.

They struck up a romance, got engaged by New Years Eve and when Perry heard the news of her 2010 nominations, she tweeted some sage advice: "I luv the VMAs, u never know what ull get from em! I got a hubby."

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners from now through September 12.

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The American Wins Labor Day Box Office
Sun, 5 Sep 2010 03:04:54 EDT

The George Clooney thriller breaks away from the pack on the holiday weekend.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


George Clooney in "The American"
Photo: Focus Features

The Box-Office Top Five

#1 "The American" ($12.9 million) #2 "Takers" ($11.4 million) #3"Machete" ($11.3 million) #4 "The Last Exorcism" ($7.5 million) #5 "Going the Distance" ($6.9 million)

"The American" staged a last-minute takeover of the weekend box office after sliding into second place on Friday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, George Clooneys turn as a hitman dodging danger in Italy to carry out one last mission, raked in an estimated $12.9 million, besting "Machete" at the close of its first weekend in theaters.

After landing in third place on the Friday kickoff of Labor Day weekend, last weeks #1 movie, "Takers" also toppled Robert Rodriguezs graphic Mexploitation pic. Featuring hip-hop and Hollywood names like Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and T.I., the action flick about a smash-and-grab job by suave crew of thieves, snatched up $11.4 million in ticket sales for second place.

After barely edging past "The American" on Friday, "Machete" will wrap up its debut weekend right behind "Takers" with a third-place finish. Featuring Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo, and boasting a much-hyped appearance from Lindsay Lohan, the film pulled in $11.3 million.

"The Last Exorcism" held steady in the top five with $7.5 million. The fourth-place picture, which follows a film crew charged with documenting the creepy developments at a rural exorcism, has made a total of $32.3 million since hitting theaters last week.

Drew Barrymore and Justin Longs date-night pic, "Going the Distance," lagged behind stronger debuts like "The American" and "Machete." The rom-com, featuring the two real-life, off-and-on lovers playing a couple working to keep a long-distance romance afloat, rang up $6.9 million in ticket sales to land in fifth place during its opening weekend.

Check out everything weve got on "The American" and "Machete"

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

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Wyclef Jean Slams Sean Penn, Pras
Sun, 5 Sep 2010 06:54:20 EDT

Maybe [Penn] aint see me in Haiti because he was too busy sniffing cocaine, Clef sings in concert.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Wyclef Jean and Sean Penn
Photo: Getty Images

Wyclef Jean may not be president but hes got some high-profile critics.

When the singer and musician launched a highly-publicized bid for president of Haiti in August he had a lot of support, but also some very vocal detractors — namely actor and fellow activist Sean Penn and Jeans former Fugees bandmate Pras. Both stars publicly questioned Clefs political credentials and at a New York City on Friday, Jean lashed out against the critics.

"I got a message for Sean Penn: Maybe he aint see me in Haiti because he was too busy sniffing cocaine," Jean sang at Hot 97s On The Reggae Tip concert, switching up the lyrics to his 2004 song "President." "I got a message for Praswell, even though you dont want to support me, I got love for you, even though you only kicked 8 bars in the Fugees." A few weeks after announcing his plans for the presidency, Jean was declared ineligible to run by Haitian electoral officials.

Wyclefs lyrics are the latest swipes in a series of public comments between the musician and Penn and Pras. When Jean spoke about his plans to run for Haitis head of state on CNN, Penn, who was also a guest on the show, expressed his concerns about the singers motivations for seeking political office.

"Right now, I worry that this is a campaign that is more about a vision of flying around the world, talking to people. Its certainly not one of the youth drafting him. I would be quite sure that this is an influence of corporations here in the United States and private individuals that may well have capitalized on his will to see himself flying around the world," Penn said. The actor also wrote in a Huffington Post column that despite Jeans public support for the island nation, the MC wasnt around during critical moments after Haitis devastating January earthquake.

"I was there for those six months after the earthquake and so many of us on the ground wondered where he was when that kind of attention was so necessary and absent, and why he was NOT helping to keep this desperate situation in the news," he wrote. "None among us felt or expressed anger toward it, but rather a universal sadness for his silence, as he is Americas most admired cultural link to Haiti."

Pras questioned Clef proposed strategy -- or lack thereof -- for revitalizing the country after the distaster.

"He talks about health care, he talks about education, he talks about infrastructure," Pras told MTV News last month. "But thats in any society. Thats right here in America, we need that. But how are you gonna get to that point? Theres a short-term goal that needs to be addressed and theres a long-term goal. To be honest with you, the short term is probably more important than the long term. And he didnt even mention the short term."

What do you think about Wyclef Jeans comments about Sean Penn and Pras? Let us know!

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Kanye West Apologizes To Taylor Swift For 2009 VMA Interruption
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:40:54 EDT

Im sorry, Taylor, West wrote on Twitter Saturday morning.
By Paul Cantor


Kanye West and Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

Kanye West took to his Twitter account Saturday morning (September 4) to readdress the 2009 Video Music Awards, when he fatefully interrupted Taylor Swifts acceptance speech.

"Im sorry, Taylor," he wrote. "Were both artists, and the media and managers are trying to get between us. She deserves the apology more than anyone. Thank you [Twitter co-founders] Biz Stone and Evan Williams for creating a platform where we can communicate directly."

Expounding on the backlash he received, he wrote, "If you Google a--hole my face may very well pop up 2 pages into the search. ... There are people who dont dislike me ... they absolutely hate me. People tweeted that they wish I was dead ... No listen. They wanted me to die, people. I carry that."

Kanye went on to say that the media vilified him. He alluded to his claim during a 2005 NBC telethon for Hurricane Katrina that "George Bush doesnt care about black people," as a point for which the media was looking to pay him back. He noted that in the VMA aftermath, the media played the race card and turned it into an angry black man versus innocent white girl issue.

"Even though the NBC telethon was widely praised yall didnt think they was just gone let me get away with that did yall???!!!" he questioned, rhetorically. "The media has successfully diminished the receptive audience of... KANYE WEST. ...taking a 15 second blip the media have successfully painted the image of the ANGRY BLACK MAN. The King Kong theory. With the help of strong will, a lack of empathy, a lil alcohol and extremely distasteful & bad timing ... I became George Bush over night."

Kanye also said that he had a song hed written for Taylor. Should she not be receptive to that idea, he said hed perform it for her. "She had nothing to do with my issues with award shows," he wrote. "She had no idea what hit her. Shes justa lil girl with dreams like the rest of us. Beyoncé didnt need that. MTV didnt need that and Taylor and her family friends and fans definitely didnt want or need that."

As his tweets continued, in a stream-of-consciousness manner, Kanye compared his life to that of the Wicked Witch of the West in the book and play "Wicked," which is based on the witches from "The Wizard of Oz." "The Wicked witch of the west basically is so convicted to tell her truth," he wrote, "when she does it she is outcasted by society and turned WICKED."

Kanye said that he returned from the ego-driven fiasco with a greater sense of who he needs to be in life. "When I woke up from the crazy nightmare, I looked in the mirror and said GROW UP KANYE," he wrote. "Im ready to get out of my own way. The ego is overdone. I take the responsibility for my actions. Yes I was that guy. A 32 year old child. With new found humility ... who am I to run on stage? I would never ever again in a million years do that. Sorry to let you down."

What do you think about Kanye Wests apology to Taylor Swift? Let us know in the comments below!

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T.I. Makes First Public Appearance Since Arrest
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 07:38:56 EDT

Fellow rapper Nelly joins the MC as he performs at a club in Atlanta.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


T.I. and Nelly (file)
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

T.I. isnt letting his legal situation hold him back from rocking the stage.

Just days after getting busted for alleged drug possession, Tip showed up in an Atlanta nightclub on Friday and ripped the mic. In a

Lady Gaga Shows Up At Eminem, Jay-Z Detroit Show
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 06:35:02 EDT

Pop star makes appearance at historic hip-hop concert.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Lady Gaga and Eminem (file)
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

The stars definitely came out for Eminem and Jay-Z.

The hip-hop heavyweights brought big-name guests like Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Drake onstage during their two-night Home and Home Tour run at Detroits Comerica Park. One megastar didnt hit the stage but did show support during the duos final Motor City show: Lady Gaga.

According to The Detroit News, the pop sensation, who was in town for her own Monster Ball Tour date on Saturday (September 4), checked out the show from a raised platform in the middle of the arena. Decked out in a silver miniskirt and sporting sable-colored locks, the native New Yorker grooved to Jigga and Alicia Keys smash "Empire State of Mind." Gaga even threw up the Roc-A-Fella diamond when Hov ripped The Blueprint album cut "U Dont Know." Rap-Up.com reports the singer sipped from a plastic cup throughout the show, and took in Jays set for about an hour before retreating backstage.

Theres a good chance that Gaga and Em will cross paths during another major show: the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The hitmakers have corralled the most Moonmen nods, with Gaga landing a record-shattering 13 nominations and Eminem scoring eight. The pop supernovas "Bad Romance" and the chart-topping MCs "Not Afraid" will also face off in the coveted Video of the Year category

After pulling off a slew of all-star guest appearances and shutting things down with two triumphant high-energy D-Town shows, Em will hit the stage at the VMAs, which will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on September 12.

Did you see Jay-Z and Eminem in concert? Let us know in the comments below!

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Kanye West Premieres Devil In A New Dress
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 01:08:02 EDT

The MCs G.O.O.D. Friday initiative rolls on with his second song.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Kanye West
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Kanye West has had a busy morning.

Just before doling out a series of Twitter missives apologizing to Taylor Swift for his VMA rant, the Chicago MC dropped a new song, "Devil in a New Dress," on his KanyeUniversecity blog on Saturday (September 4). The track is the second song in his "G.O.O.D. Friday" series, in which the superstar promised to release a spankin new song to kick off the weekend every Friday until Christmas.

"Dress" continues Yes return to the soulful old-school sounds he championed in his early work and has revisited in the string-laden Beyoncé and Charlie Wilson collabo "See Me Now." West works an easy flow over the midtempo joint replete with feathery falsetto backing vocals an overall buttery 70s feel. Despite the laidback groove, West shows his vulnerable side, as he laments being loved and left. "How she gon wake up/And not love me no more/I thought I was the a--hole/I guess its rubbin off," Ye rhymes.

The plaintive, lovelorn song is the complete opposite of the aggressive posse cut, "Monster," that West dropped last Friday. The track boasts a number of beastly features from Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj and is slated to appear on West and Hovs upcoming joint album Watch the Throne.

For the most part, Yeezy fans were feeling the rapper and producers vintage sonic textures and candid lyricism.

"Love this song. Love G.O.O.D. Fridays. Thanks for blessing us with this song Kanye," Souldigga wrote on Wests blog. "Its sick."

Another fan said the throwback vibe is reminiscent of Queens MC Nas debut. "Classic feeling, like the 1st time I PLAYED [Illmatic]," 212aben804 wrote. "Very much needed."

"OMFG Kanye," Surgical702 gushed. "This is seriously the best song of yours Ive heard in awhile."

The MC explained that he released "Dress" just in time for fans to ride out the end of the season to the songs languid feel.

"Theres only 18 days of summer left," West tweeted. "I had to drop DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS while it was still hot out so people could [roll] down [their] windows."

How do you feel about Kanye Wests latest song "Devil in a New Dress"? Let us know in the comments below!

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Eminem, Jay-Z Fans Recall Favorite Moments From Detroit Shows
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 03:54:48 EDT

I really feel sorry for everyone who did miss it but it was awesome, says one fan.
By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Jay-Z performs at Comerica Park on in Detroit, Michigan Thursday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Theres no question that Jay-Z and Eminems Home and Home Tour stops in Detroit were two of the biggest events the citys hip-hop community has ever seen.

On the final night, Em and Hov fans recounted an unforgettable show to MTV News, in which rap titans like Dr. Dre and 50 Cent joined Shady and Jigga on the Comerica Park stage.

Although she "loves Eminem," one D-Town fan gave Hovs set the biggest props. "It had to be Jigga. Coming from underneath, giving a shout-out to [Michael Jackson], it was Jigga," she said.

Another concertgoer said witnessing the hip-hop heavyweights rip up the stage with one of their classic collabos was her favorite moment of the night. "Probably when Eminem and Jay-Z got on the stage together [for Renegade]," Lindsay said, describing the show highlight. "That was pretty tight." Fellow audience member Bridget echoed the same sentiment, bellowing, "Renegade!"

Some fans loved when Em made a move that few hip-hop stars have the clout to pull off, and brought out his mentor, Aftermath kingpin and rap pioneer Dr. Dre.

"My favorite part was when Dr. Dre came out," said Jen, who was accompanied by a fellow Doc-loving pal. "Weve been ... big [fans] for forever."

As Jay-Z and Em signed off from the Motor City, many fans were amped they were able to witness the historic show firsthand.

"Im glad I was a part of it," said Dianca. "It was a great concert, it was awesome. I love Jay-Z."

Clutching an Eminem tee and bubbling with post-show energy, Christina was grateful for the opportunity to see the superstar MCs work magic in the D. "It was amazing. Im glad I didnt miss it," she enthused. "Im glad I got to be there. I really feel sorry for everyone who did miss it but it was awesome."

Juanita trekked from Jacksonville, Florida but conceded that the Motown show was a singular event.

"I loved everything cause I love Jay-Z. I loved the [extra guests] they brought out, I love Dr. Dre. I love everybody, Eminem, everybody!" she said. "Go Detroit, yeah! Only in the D!"

Did you see Jay-Z and Eminem in concert? Let us know in the comments below!

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Eminem Turns Up The Volume In Detroit
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:42:50 EDT

Night two of Home and Home tour with Jay-Z was even more energetic than the kickoff.
By Shaheem Reid


Eminem performs in Detroit on Thursday
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

DETROIT — By the time Eminem got to "Cinderella Man," near the bottom of his set list on Friday night, the air was filled with so much audible adoration for Slim Shady, Sam Kinison himself could have rose from the grave and screamed in your ear and you wouldnt hear it. The crowd at Comerica Park was so loud, many people had to text message the person sitting right next to them.

Once again, Eminem was treated like a pharaoh. He was the closer on a two-night stand of concerts headlined by him and Jay-Z.


Machete Slices Competition At Friday Box Office
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 02:39:40 EDT

The American is hot on the heels of the action flick.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Jessica Alba in "Machete"
Photo: 20th Century Fox

The Box-Office Top Five

#1 "Machete" ($3.9 million) #2 "The American" ($3.8 million) #3 "Takers" ($3 million) #4 "The Last Exorcism" ($2.3 million) #5 "Going the Distance" ($2.2 million)

"Machete" was a cut above the competition in a close Friday box-office race crowded with new releases. According toreports, the sexed-up, action-packed Robert Rodriguez-directed film took first place with $3.9 million on Friday.

However, the star-heavy caper, which boasts performances from Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo, and a buzzed-about screen turn from Lindsay Lohan, just barely slipped past The American." The George Clooney thriller, which revolves around an assassin who lands in Italy for a final job, kicked off the weekend with $3.8 million. Fridays haul bumps the films cumulative take to $7 million since the movie landed in theaters on Wednesday.

Rounding out an action-heavy top three, "Takers" pulled in $3 million during its second Friday in theaters. Although the film opened at #1 last weekend, it appears news of the films star T.I.s arrest hasnt completely doused the fire of the heist flick. The film also boasts appearances from Idris Elba and singer Chris Brown, who has recently triumphed on the music charts with his single "Deuces." The movie has made an estimated $29.5 million since landing in theaters.

The horror movie "The Last Exorcism," which nabbed the second-place slot in a photo-finish box-office race against "Takers" last week, slipped to the #4 spot. The creep-fest raked in $2.3 million during its second Friday on screens, which nudged its total gross to $27 million.

The rom-com "Going the Distance," starring Drew Barrymore and real-life on-and-off beau Justin Long, debuted in fifth place. The movie, which follows a young couple working to sustain the spark in their long-distance relationship, scored $2.2 million in ticket sales.

Check out everything weve got on "Machete" and "The American."

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

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50 Cent Explains Photo With Jay-Z Backstage In Detroit
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:10:45 EDT

Fif got a chance to kick it with Jay at Home and Home shows, co-headlined by Eminem.
By Shaheem Reid


50 Cent and Jay-Z in Detroit Friday
Photo: Thelifefiles.com

DETROIT — You didnt think they were going to have two of the biggest hip-hop shows in the past decade without inviting 50 Cent to join in, did you? Fif and the Unit have been Eminems special guests for the Home and Home shows, co-headlined by Jay-Z.

The Detroit run started Thursday night at Detroits Comerica Park and concluded Friday (September 3). Sitting down with MTV News before the second show, 50, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo expressed their excitement to be a part of the historic event. On Thursday, the Unit performed "Patiently Waiting," "I Get Money" and "In Da Club." And by the following morning, footage and photos from the show circulated on various websites. But thelifefiles.com caught a very unexpected gem: One of Jays close friends, Lenny Santiago, snapped a picture of the Jiggaman and Fif talking backstage. The energy in the pic seemed to be positive, and both were smiling.

It was surprising to all hip-hop fans, considering the fact that since last year, Fif has been throwing jabs at Hov in interviews and on songs such as "Flight 187." While Fif declined to say exactly what he and Jay conversed about on Thursday, he did say they didnt have serious beef.

"We got a chance to kick it for a minute," 50 said. "I know people were interested in what that conversation was like. But they can ask Jay-Z. I take peoples actions as if its genuinely how they feel. I can only use what I saw you do as if thats what you meant. I cant understand what your motivation was prior to that."

Fif has also had some well-documented issues with Diddy. Ever since Diddy aligned himself with Rick Ross several months ago, the General of the G-Unit has publicly lambasted the leader of Dirty Money. But 50 says a recent talk with Diddy helped clear the air between them.

"I had a conversation with Puffy the night before Jay," the Queens mogul revealed. "He gave me a whole new perspective on his actions. Hes like, I understand the way you felt because of what I was doing at the time. But I wasnt thinking what you was thinking I was. You done hit me nine times. Im just in the fetal because I understand why you are attacking me. But if I cant touch bases with you to tell you what Im thinking or why I did it, then you cant understand it. We created a little clarity out there."

The Home and Home tour continues in the Bronx, New York, on September 13 and 14 at Yankee Stadium.

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Eminems DJ Alchemist Became A Fan In Detroit
Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:09:25 EDT

I knew Em was really comfortable, Al says after Thursdays Home and Home show.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Sway Calloway


Alchemist and Sway Calloway
Photo: MTV News

DETROIT — To steal a line from Bun B, Jay-Z and Eminem did everything but walk on water for the crowd at Comerica Park on Thursday and Friday. G-Unit, Young Jeezy, Drake, D12 and Dr. Dre were all guests at the shows, playing on a stage so huge, you could fit the entire Tigers and Lions teams on it. Before night two of the Home and Home Tour, MTV News talked to the man who had a very integral role in Ems set, the Alchemist.

Though Em tried out something new with a live band, he also had Al holding down his duties on the 1s and 2s. A few hours before taking the stage on Friday night, Al gave us his recap about the combustion at Comerica.

"I think Em tested the waters [for these shows in Detroit and New York] when we did the Europe tour," Alchemist said. "You could tell when he went out there in [Europe], when he saw the reaction of the people again, it was like, Right. Hes been through so much. For him to be out there sober, this is the first time hes hitting the stage — God bless the dead — without Proof. The [European shows] were big shows and a big step. You got the feeling he knew he had the step still, and people love him the same way.

"I looked at the crowds in Europe and said, You have to do those shows in America, " he continued. "A lot of times you go overseas. The love is the same. But the energy you see at these festivals [overseas], wow! Coming back from that and hitting the stage [Thursday in Detroit], reassured me, with a little bit of organization and some thought, the energy is the same in America. I was thrilled, like, Wow. We brought it home.

"From the DJ booth [Thursday] night, it was hard. You see the sea of people on the floor. If I looked up, I saw a full stadium of people. If I squinted my eyes real hard when the records were playing, I could see them going just as hard as the people in the front were. That was amazing. Even when Jay hit the stage, he had to pause and take a moment to take it all in. I felt that too. Thats not scripted.

"When Dre came out, that moment of the show, I became a fan. I was no longer DJing. At that moment when Dre came out, it was like, Oooooh. He was five feet from me, he came out the floor. He was rising. It was like watching a video. It was the theatrics of a video. When he came out and did his Dre bop, it was like he never left," Al observed. "When Em said, You see what I do for you, Detroit, I knew Em was really comfortable.

"When Drake came out, its safe to say women really like Drake," Alchemist added. "The guys, of course, like him as well, but the ladies — it was a shock. Ive seen them do [Forever] a couple times. Last night was their best interaction. Theyre getting into a zone where they are comfortable."

Were you at the Eminem and Jay-Z Home and Home shows? Share your concert reviews here!

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Eminem Channels Marlon Brando For VMA Promo
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 08:34:07 EDT

Rapper remakes scene from 1954 movie On the Waterfront for the shoot.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Eminem
Photo: MTV

"Im ready for my close-up," joked Eminem, who had two plugs rammed up his nose on the set of his MTV Video Music Awards appearance promo. Even though the superstar MC was covered in prosthetic bruises and hobbles away from an enflamed car in the commercial for the VMAs, Eminem kept things light behind the scenes at his shoot. In fact, the Recovery rapper said that he wasnt stressing the details, but was there get the job done and maybe horse around a little bit.

"They tell me that its something for the VMAs, but Ive been in my little rat hole. They just let me out to play," Eminem said. "So Im kind of like that hamster in the ball, when they let him out and he runs around in the ball. Im in my little ball right now, running around."

In between the running around, the hip-hop megastar, who is up for eight Moonmen, managed to turn in an intense performance in the clip. The commercial opens to the strains of "Not Afraid," with Em limping away from an overturned car right before it bursts into flames with a blast that sends the rapper toppling to the ground. After an onlooker helps him up, a slew of young men in 50s period clothing watch Em stagger along as he gains an upright, steely-eyed version of himself. Then, the confident, unharmed Eminem leads the crew of young men toward a city skyline in the distance. The rapper explained that the visual is based on a scene from a classic 1954 Marlon Brando flick. "Its kind of a take on On the Waterfront. Like, loosely," Em explained. "The car is exploding and Im hurt."

The promo is infused with the high drama of the chart-topping MCs return to the top of the music game after battling the lows of a debilitating drug addiction. If the power of the visual short is any indication, Em is going to run things as a performer at this years VMAs.

What are you expecting from Eminems appearance at the VMAs? Let us know in the comments below!

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12. The party starts with MTV News VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through September 12.

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Kara DioGuardi Announces American Idol Exit
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 09:12:44 EDT

I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol, songwriter says.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Kara DioGuardi
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images/ FOX

The Great "American Idol" Judge Shake-Up continues. Kara DioGuardi has been announced as the latest talent critic to exit the show in recent months. After joining "Idol" in its eighth season, the songwriter said in a statement on Friday (September 3) that she wont be returning for season 10.

"I felt like I won the lottery when I joined American Idol two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave Idol, " DioGuardi said. "I am very proud to have been associated with American Idol — it has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to Fox, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment, as well as the cast, crew and contestants, for all they have given to me. I look forward to my next challenge, and want to thank everyone who has supported me. All the best to everyone on season 10!"

DioGuardi didnt elaborate on her next step, but "Idol" producers wished the songwriter well in her future projects.

"Kara is one of the worlds best songwriters," "Idol" creator Simon Fuller said in the release. "She has been passionate and committed to Idol over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."

"As one of the most proclaimed songwriters in the U.S., Kara brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to American Idol, " "Idol" executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz added. "We are very grateful for the time she spent on the show, and we wish her nothing but the best in all her future endeavors."

The announcement confirms months of rumors that DioGuardi would not return for the shows upcoming season. In July, reports surfaced that "Idol" producers were dropping the songwriter and mounting a return to a three-judge panel. In August, DioGuardis father said she heard the news that she was being edged out of the show the same way millions of "Idol" fans did: through the media.

"She read [about her supposed firing] the way you and I did. Her disappointment is that thats the way shes being treated, and she feels thats not proper," Joe DiGuardi said on the TV show "Capital Tonight."

DioGuardi is the latest judge to exit the Fox ratings magnet. In January, outspoken longtime judge Simon Cowell announced his departure to helm the American version of the British talent show "The X Factor." In July, comedienne Ellen DeGeneres jumped ship after one season, citing a packed schedule, among other issues.

Will you miss Kara on "American Idol"? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News "American Idol" page, where youll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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B.o.B Breaks Through: A VMA Cheat Sheet
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 02:28:06 EDT

After nearly quitting the music business last year, the eclectic MC and songwriter from Atlanta shot to the top of the pop charts.
By Jayson Rodriguez


B.o.B
Photo: ABC

B.o.B isnt like most pop stars. He really isnt like most rap stars, either. But the guitar-strumming MCs mix of melodic rhymes and earnest songwriting has him up for a few Moonmen at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, which air live on September 12 at 9 p.m.

Heres how he got to where he is today.

The lanky lyricist grew up on a diet of Michael Jackson and Tina Turner, but when he got older, his tastes widened to include everything from the Beatles to Björk.

That range wasnt necessarily evident on his early productions, but his woozy "Cloud 9" proved to be an underground gem that garnered the attention of key music industry folks, including T.I. and Atlantic Records; the Atlanta upstart is signed to that label through Tips Grand Hustle imprint.

B.o.B had been championed as an heir to OutKasts Andre 3000 after he released a slew of mixtape material in the past few years that earned him a solid reputation within the hip-hop community. "Ill Be In the Sky," "Haterz Everywhere" and "Lonely People" were among the notable numbers from his street projects, which include the DJ Smallz-helmed Cloud 9, Who the F--- Is B.o.B and B.o.B vs Bobby Ray, which was backed by DJ Green Lantern and Don Cannon.

As he sat in an incubation stage, however, B.o.B soon found himself at the center of swirling rumors last year that he was quitting the music biz before his first album could be released.

But that turned out to be a small speed bump on his road to pop stardom. In 2010, the eclectic rapper — who late last year announced he would also go by his birth name, Bobby Ray — found everything finally coming together for him.

His Bruno Mars-assisted "Nothin on You," with its saccharine-sweet vocals and flirtatious verses, shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, took a similar path, debuting at #1 on Billboards albums chart.

His single with Paramores Hayley Williams, "Airplanes," was a top five hit and his collaboration with Rivers Cuomo, "Magic," just entered the top 10. And after opening for Jay-Z and Eminem on Thursday (September 2) night, it seems like B.o.B can do no wrong these days. He earned a total of five VMA nominations: Best Male Video, Best Collaboration, Best Hip-Hop Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year.

We bet B.o.B will tell you himself that it pays to play different.

Do you think B.o.B will take home some hardware on September 12? Let us know in the comments!

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the Best New Artist video through September 12.

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Kanye Wests 2008 VMA Set Was Born At Obamas Nomination
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 06:45:39 EDT

Genesis of Wests memorable performance of Love Lockdown is uncovered on VMAs: Revealed this Saturday.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Kanye West performs "Love Lockdown" at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards
Photo: Getty Images

Kanye Wests most memorable VMA appearance to date is probably that whole Taylor Swift nonsense that went down at the 2009 show. But one thing for which the Louis Vuitton Don can always be counted on is a stunning live television moment — whether hes been invited to the stage or not.

His most triumphant appearance arguably took place at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, when the Chicago MC mounted an innovative rendition of his spankin new single "Love Lockdown." Kanye ditched the hard-hitting rhymes for heartfelt vocals and closed the show with 20 Taiko drummers pounding out the songs thunderous rhythms. It was a new direction for the star, who bravely risked wiping out his street cred and weathering worldwide fan backlash for his inventive, genre-melding sound.

Like Madonna writhing onstage in a wedding dress, Lady Gaga hanging from the ceiling smeared in fake blood or Eminem leading an army of blond doppelgangers into Radio City Music Hall, Kanye Wests 2008 set had all the makings of a signature VMA moment: a tricked-out performance from a major superstar laced with the slightest hint of WTF. However, executing Wests appearance was a mad dash to the VMA finish line, with the shows organizers and the artist careening toward super-firm deadlines in the race to pull off the performance. In the special "The VMAs: Revealed - Presented by New 5 React Gum," premiering on MTV at 11 a.m. Saturday, the whirlwind creation of 2008s "Love Lockdown" set is broken down by the people who made it happen.

The idea for West to wrap up the VMAs with his 808s & Heartbreak single popped up at an unexpected venue: The 2008 Democratic National Convention. As Barack Obama accepted his partys nomination to run for president, VMA executive producer Dave Sirulnick and West met up in Denver to discuss the MCs latest work and MTVs upcoming awards show.

"It was phenomenal because it was this whole new thing that Kanye was doing," Sirulnick says of hearing demos of Yeezys new music. "You could see how this could play perfectly as a close to the show."

However, once both parties agreed to have Ye close out the VMAs, the real madness began. To find out how West went from a meeting in Colorado to belting out "Lockdown" at the 2008 VMAs, catch "The VMAs: Revealed - Presented by New 5 React Gum" on Saturday at 11 a.m.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12. The party starts with MTV News VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through September 12.

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Harry Potter, Tron, True Grit Top Celebs Fall Movie Wish List
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:25:21 EDT

Look, Im a Tron guy, Jack Black confesses of the flick hes most looking forward to.
By Kara Warner


Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Photo: Warner Bros.

MTV News Fall Movie Preview Week has been chock-full of the juiciest exclusive goods any eager moviegoer could hope for. Chills (courtesy of Wes Cravens "My Soul to Take"), thrills (thanks to Chris Pine talking about Tony Scotts "Unstoppable") and exclusive stills. There was also some interesting talk about the secrets of onscreen nudity and post-production nipple addition (thanks, "Machete" cast!).

In celebration of the upcoming season of highly anticipated films, weve compiled a little list of the films the Hollywood set is most anxious to see.

"I am a huge Harry Potter nerd," Chloe Bridges ("Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam") told us at the premiere of the Disney sequel. "To obnoxious levels, its kind of sad, you have no idea, but yeah, Im very excited for it. Part 1 of The Deathly Hallows!"

" Tron for sure," director M. Night Shyamalan said of the film hes most looking forward to. "Because I dont know what its going to be, and thats so exciting. I know its based on the original movie, but Im starving for original stuff as an audience member," he said.

"Gullivers Travels" star Jack Black begged to differ on the "Tron" excitement, however.

"Yeah, that ones not gonna be any good," he said. "I dont wanna see that." And moments later Black changed his tune. Literally. He busted out a few bars of the original "Tron" theme for us.

"Look, Im a Tron guy," Black confessed. "Yeah, I like Tron. I played the Tron video game when I was a kid. Yeah! Im in, Im a nerd."

Black went on to say that he is equally excited for Jeff Bridges other fall film, "True Grit."

"Jeff Bridges plus the Coen brothers equals genius," he said. "If you saw The Big Lebowski, you know what Im sayin."

"Somewhere" director Sophia Coppola also expressed enthusiasm for "True Grit," as well as Darren Aronofskys "Black Swan."

"Im excited to see Black Swan, and I know the Coen brothers have a movie coming out," she said. "Its always fun this time of year to go to the movies because theres so much to see." We couldnt agree more!

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Chelsea Handler Refuses To Sing Or Dance At VMAs
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 12:10:04 EDT

Im not a dancer and Im not a singer, and I dont have the kind of ass that should be mooned, comedian says.
By Gil Kaufman


Chelsea Handler
Photo: MTV News

VMA host Chelsea Handler is good at certain things, like telling cutting jokes, writing hilarious books and making her male staffers get dolled up in clothes from Madonna and Lourdes Material Girl line.

But the "Chelsea Lately" host knows her limitations.

"Ive actually watched a bunch of the VMAs from over the past few years and there was definitely a lot of singing and dancing," she told MTV News Jim Cantiello about her first time hosting the MTV Video Music Awards, which air on Sunday, September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. "Im not a dancer and Im not a singer, and I dont have the kind of ass that should be mooned. I mean its sweet, its a sweet ass, but its little and its white."


Going The Distance Co-Stars Think Romance And Bromance Can Coexist
Fri, 3 Sep 2010 07:36:04 EDT

Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis share their philosophy on male friendships.
By Kara Warner


Jason Sudeikis
Photo: MTV News

As a rule, romantic comedies generally follow a pretty standard formula: Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girls relationship is put to the test by brief bit of drama (overprotective potential in-laws, nosy friends, etc.), boy and girl live happily ever after. Its typical and predictable, but also why we love rom-coms!

The latest entrant into the beloved genre is this weeks "Going the Distance," starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long as a new couple who try to make their relationship work while living on opposite coasts. The film also features the comedic stylings of Charlie Day ("Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia") and Jason Sudeikis ("Saturday Night Live"), who play a pair of buddies doing their best to keep their close friendship alive, while Longs character tries to distance himself from his pals and make more time for his new romance.

When MTV News caught up with the two funnymen at the films press day, we asked them to compare and contrast the complicated aspects of real-life guy friendship, a.k.a. bromance, and romance — and whether the two can exist at the same time.

"Well, theres a lot less sex in the bromance," Day offered. "Were bromancing each other, but were not bromancing each other in bed, so thats different."

Sudeikis admitted that sometimes you need to put the bromance on the back burner. "At some point, you have to let your friend go and your romance will trump the bromance," he said. "You have to let the little bird fly out of the nest."

"A romance and a bromance can happen at the same time — theyre not mutually exclusive," Day added. "They can, they absolutely can. Sometimes people think that when the romance starts, the bromance ends, but thats not true."

This comment prompted Sudeikis to theorize that its a bad sign if the guy friends in question have a problem with their friends new love interest. "If the bromance really has a negative reaction to the romance, its probably not a healthy romance," he said.

"Theres no reason a good romance cant be perfectly bromantical," Day added.

"Yeah," Sudeikis agreed. "Not all squares are rectangles." "And not all rectangles are shapes," Day said. There you have it, philosophies on love and bromance, courtesy of Sudeikis and Day.

Check out everything weve got on "Going the Distance."

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

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