Technology Stuff: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, John Paul Jones Unveil Supergroup

Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery

Dave Grohl (file)
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Officially, Lollapalooza ended Sunday night in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from the Killers and Jane's Addiction. Unofficially, it ended very early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.

To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of Foo Fighters frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.

According to some reports, the Vultures actually turned down Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.

Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called Never Deserved the Future, and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).

The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis.

It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.

Early Monday, a Crooked Vultures Twitter account, which had previously posted links to the band's official-looking Web site and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a Deserve the Future T-shirt. Cost: $30.

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A Quiet Day

Yesterday was a very nice, very relaxing, very quiet day … and it was just what I needed. Tamar and Rob invited us over to relax and do nothing at their place yesterday and we jumped at the chance to just … hang out. No one cooked, no one had to life a finger … [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/KciwMNd-fGg/

America Ferrera Shania Twain Monica Potter Jessica Cauffiel Portia de Rossi

Usher - Lil Freak

Lil Freak

Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler
Album: Raymond V. Raymond

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=497563

Eva Mendes FSU Cowgirls Saira Mohan Mia Kirshner Salma Hayek

Usher - There Goes My Baby

There Goes My Baby

Artist: Usher
Label: LaFace Records, JLG
Director: Anthony Mandler

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=544989

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Monday, May 30, 2011

Photos | Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas

Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1660731

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Lady Gaga Fans Get Emotional About 'Inside The Outside' Special

'This interview was so sweet, I cried. She gives me hope for humanity,' one fan tweets about the MTV doc.
By James Dinh, with additional reporting by James Montgomery

Lady Gaga
Photo: MTV News

As her quest for world domination proceeds, Lady Gaga teamed up with MTV for an exclusive sit-down chat about her extraordinary journey to pop music royalty for the "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" documentary, which premiered on Thursday night. In it, Gaga discusses her early career struggles and whirlwind rise to fame, a tale that has all of her Little Monsters abuzz after watching it.

Reactions to the hour-long special have been strong, with an overwhelming response coming in from fans who were selected to attend our special after-show live stream, users on the MTV News site and the social networks in between.

One of those Monsters chosen to visit MTV studios Thursday night was Adrianna, who told MTV News that she was personally touched by Gaga's account of her bullying incident. "I was been bullied all through high school, and I kind of want to thank those people in an awkward way because I wouldn't be the same person, just like Lady Gaga wouldn't be the same person," she shared. "We wouldn't be as strong and confident with ourselves if it wasn't for those people."

Decked out in Gaga-like leather gear, Adrianna explained that Mother Monster is a role model to those who may still endure bullying, and that ultimately she is an inspirational star.

MTV News' Facebook page was also flooded by a wave of Little Monsters who couldn't help but gush about the doc. Users like Jimmy Aleman got emotional watching the special, saying, "I saw it :) It made me cry. She is a true woman." And Rossi Ruska Coles appreciated the pop star's defiant story, writing, "Thank you for this great one hour, the true and real Gaga! Love her and her self-identity!"

Chifi55 also got in on the fun by commenting on MTV News' site, saying, "She's so honest and true ... You just can't believe how amazing and loving and kind she is. She was nothing and became the world's greatest pop star ... There is no one who deserves it more than her!"

Despite the 140-character limit, Gaga fans were also quick to hit us up via Twitter to share their thoughts on "Inside the Outside." Superfan Ryan Lee tweeted, "I cried watching the special. Whoever made it should win an award because they captured the beauty of the angel that is Lady Gaga."

HausOfKels revealed she also couldn't hold back tears, writing, "This interview was so sweet, I cried. She gives me hope for humanity. Her message changed my life + made me stronger. xo #MTVGAGA."

And it wasn't just Little Monsters who tuned in to the MTV special, but also some non-fans, including sayjay41297, who admitted she's been transformed. "I didn't know all that much about Gaga, but now I'm really inspired and I think I've just became a Little Monster. #mtvgaga," she wrote.

Like sayjay41297, RickG63 shared a similar reaction to the doc, but had one minor complaint, tweeting, "Fantastic show, but her interviews are never long enough. Thank you for the show. It was great to see. Now you know why we love Gaga."

Did "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" shed a new light on the pop star for you? Share your comments below.

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Lady Gaga

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664755/lady-gaga-mtv-special-reactions.jhtml

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Box Office Shocker: 'Hangover 2' on Track to Open North of $100 Million at U.S. Box Office

Pamela McClintock
The R-rated sequel will be the first film in months to surpass the figure this year in its opening weekend.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thr/riskybusiness/~3/DBZQh_5H3-A/hangover-2-track-open-north-191126

Ananda Lewis Rozonda Thomas Krista Allen Jodi Lyn OKeefe Sarah Gellman

Britney Spears Hosts As Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, More Bring Wango Tango To L.A.

Pitbull, Matthew Morrison, Selena Gomez, Far East Movement and others filled the Staples Center on Saturday night.
By Matt Elias

Britney Spears hosts KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2011 on Saturday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears makes headlines at concerts, even when she's not performing. That's probably why Los Angeles radio station KIIS FM tapped the pop princess to guest-host their annual Wango Tango music festival along with Ryan Seacrest on Saturday night at the Staples Center.

The bill was a balance of pop and hip-hop, with acts like Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Selena Gomez, "Glee" 's Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, Jason Derülo, Far East Movement, New Boyz, Cobra Starship and newcomer Cody Simpson.

Backstage, the media room went into a frenzy when Spears arrived in a red, geometric-print dress and a beaming smile. Owning her "femme fatale" moniker, Spears worked the carpet for a few moments while all of the cameras in the room were pointing at her. It was the second red carpet appearance by Brit this week, after her Beverly Hills benefit on Wednesday night for the St. Bernard Project.

Check out photos from Wango Tango 2011.

Spears' Femme Fatale collaborator Ke$ha, who was returning to the festival for the second time, said that an onstage collab between to the two would have to require one thing.

"That would have to include me finding her and attacking her," Ke$ha told MTV News, with the best intentions. "I'm planning on pouncing her."

While that never happened, at least not onstage, Ke$ha delivered on her promise of a set heavy on her glitter gun. And she assured us she knew the dos and don'ts of handling that kind of firepower.

"Do not spray yourself in the face with it," she said. "Do spray everybody else with it. That's pretty much it."

While Joe Jonas wasn't performing at the show, he took a break from recording his solo debut to catch up with almost everyone backstage.

"I didn't see Britney backstage, just said 'hello' to a couple of my friends," Jonas said. "Backstage is always [full of] people, especially having it at the Staples Center this time, I think compared to all the way out in the desert, it changes everything."

Also happy to have Wango Tango in Los Angeles were locals Far East Movement.

"Man, we grew up literally a few blocks away from here, and you can only imagine basketball games being played here," Kev Nish said. "So to come in here as performers, to be able to do our songs in this arena is a little crazy. We used to pass out CDs a few blocks [away], so we're very thankful. And the lineup is nuts, so we're extremely excited to be a part of this lineup."

Were you at Wango Tango? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Ke$ha, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez And Many More At Wango Tango 2011

Krista Allen Jodi Lyn OKeefe Sarah Gellman Susan Ward Kelly Rowland

Sunday, May 29, 2011

'Glee' Season Finale Exclusive: Listen To 'Yeah!' Here

An a cappella girl group covers Usher's hit for Nationals in next week's episode.
By Aly Semigran

Usher
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

During this week's episode of "Glee", the gang from New Directions took a big risk when they decided they would compete in Nationals by singing their own original songs. Well, the stakes just got a little higher.

MTV News has an exclusive first listen to one of the rival groups who will go up against the McKinley High glee club in New York City during next Tuesday's (May 24) big season two finale. In the upcoming episode, an all-female a cappella group sings Usher's 2004 club and radio smash "Yeah!," which may have the Nationals judges saying just that.

Singers replace synthesizers for the four-note melody that repeats throughout the song, and lead vocalists RaVaughn Brown and Missi Hale match the high energy that Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris brought to the track.

Granted, a few things have been tweaked in the version for the tween-friendly show, including the length (the original is over four minutes long, while the "Glee" version comes in at three and a half minutes) and the tune's instructions to "Take that and rewind it back ... got the rhythm make ya booty go."

Also, instead of Ludacris' verse, "We want a lady in the street/ And a freak in the bed," one girl sings, "You know you want a kiss on the lips, old red." The line, "Ludacris fill cups like double D's" has also been cut from the song.

But, it's not all PG. At one point in the girls' rendition of the track, they page homage to Lil Jon's crunk hit "Get Low," singing, "From the windows to the walls" and even Mystikal's booty-happy single "Shake Ya Ass," when they urge, "Show me whatcha' workin' with."

At the 2005 Grammy Awards, the power trio of Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris won the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!" But, will the song bring the same sort of fortune to this girl group at Nationals? Or will the glory all belong to New Directions this time? Gleeks will still have to wait a few more days to find out.

The "Glee" season finale airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. on Fox, while "Glee": The Music, Volume 6, including the three new original songs "Light Up the World," "Pretending" and "As Long as You're There," will be available on Monday.

What do you think of this a cappella group's version of "Yeah!"? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664208/glee-season-finale-usher-yeah.jhtml

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Beyonce 'Felt Honored' To Perform On 'Oprah'

Singer's choreographer gives MTV News the inside scoop on B's 'Oprah Winfrey Show' farewell-week performance.
By Jocelyn Vena

Beyoncé performs on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"
Photo: Harpo productions

The first part of the two-part "Oprah Winfrey Show" star-studded surprise episode aired Monday (May 23), and with appearances from Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Halle Berry, Diane Sawyer and Madonna, it was Beyoncé and her over-the-top, girl-powered stage spectacle that had the audience — and Oprah — moving.

Donning a tuxedo bodysuit and surrounded by a cavalcade of all-female backup dancers, Beyoncé strutted her stuff as she performed her new single, "Run the World (Girls)."

"Oprah, your persuasion can build a nation," B said mid-song. "We love you, Oprah. Thank you," she told the talk-show host at the end of the performance, giving a hug to Winfrey.

Last week, MTV News spoke to Beyoncé's longtime choreographer, Frank Gatson Jr., who commented on the honor of performing for Oprah during her epic farewell week. (The final "Oprah Winfrey Show" episode airs Wednesday.)

"It's amazing. Me, myself, Beyoncé, people of color — we have so much respect for that woman" Gaston said. "How can we say no to [Oprah]? She possesses something that God has given her, 'cause when I saw her onstage, of all the people that were there, everyone's in awe of her — Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Madonna — so we felt honored, privileged. That's why Beyoncé pushed us so hard. She wanted to make sure that Oprah's proud of what she did for her show. She did such an important number.

"In Oprah's world, women rule the world, so how coincidental that Beyoncé's song is called that?" he continued. "So it was just appropriate, perfection. I loved it. It was great to be there. The energy in that place was unbelievable."

What did you think of Beyoncé's "Oprah" appearance? Let us know in the comments!

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Celebs Bid Farewell To Oprah Winfrey At Her Final Show Tapings

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664433/beyonce-oprah-performance.jhtml

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Wale Describes Working With Rick Ross Vs. Mark Ronson

'The vibe now is a little bit more natural,' Wale tells 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Wale
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

On one hand you have a British DJ/ producer/ record executive whose claim to fame is producing Amy Winehouse's 2006 classic Back to Black. On the other hand there is the Boss, Rick Ross. After switching label homes from Mark Ronson's Interscope-distributed Allido Records to Ross' Maybach Music Group, Wale broke down the differences between the two labels on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."

"I went from being around him in the studio to being around good vibes, good grass, good everything. The type of vibes that make me feel like block parties or just hanging with my friends," Wale told Sway of the change. "Not to say that Ronson ain't my friend."

In 2009, the D.C. rapper released his debut album Attention Deficit on Ronson's label. The album was well-received critically, but commercially it only sold 138,000. In February, Wale announced that he officially signed with Ross' MMG label, and on Monday, Rozay and his new signees released Self Made, the label's first compilation.

For Wale, the creative process has been much smoother. "We're in conversation and we'll start rapping about what's going on around us. The last time I was in the studio with Mark, I had to take myself somewhere, because I wasn't there," the rapper said about his motivation.

Overall, the "Chillin' " MC is just in a better creative space; culturally he and his new boss just have more in common. "I'm in my environment now. I go to Overtown with Ross; I go to King of Diamonds with Ross. I take Ross to D.C. Star. I can't take Mark Ronson to D.C. Star. I mean, I could, but it'd be awkward for everybody.

"The vibe now is a little bit more natural and it's a lot more fun for me. And I'm really in a groove where I can make the type of music I like," he said. "The energy is so good with Ross and Meek and Pucci and everybody at Maybach."

Do you see a difference between Wale's music with Ronson and his latest tracks? Let us know in the comments!

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Singapore Airlines to launch a new low-cost airline

Flying Singapore Airlines (SIA) just got cheaper.

The airline has announced plans to launch a new no-frills, low-fare airline operating widebody aircraft on medium- and long-haul routes.

The new subsidiary will begin operations next year and will be operated independently, while being managed separately from SIA.

Initial destinations singled out include China, India, Africa, the Middle East and America.

The new airlines is seen as direct threat to Australia's Jetstar and Malaysia's AirAsia X who have been in the market for a number of years, and offer flights to destinations such as Japan, Auckland and London.

Source: http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/life/singapore-airlines-launch-new-low-cost-airline-391460

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Michael Jackson's Family Upset With James Durbin Over 'American Idol' Pepsi Quip

'We were shocked to see this,' read the Jacksons' message; Durbin tweeted an apology on Thursday.
By Gil Kaufman

James Durbin performs on "American Idol" on Wednesday
Photo: Michael Becker/ Fox

Some people might argue that it's patently unfair to take rank amateurs, put them on the biggest show on TV and then expose them to potential worldwide ridicule every week. Because it's one thing to tune in to "American Idol" from your living room or play shows at the local wings joint, it's another thing entirely when you get up on that stage and open your mouth with tens of millions watching and listening.

James Durbin learned this lesson the hard way this week when he made what he thought was an innocent crack about not setting himself on fire during his pyro-tastic cover of Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" on Wednesday night.

Asked by host Ryan Seacrest if he was worried about dancing around among the flames shooting up from the piano onstage, Durbin joked, "I have a lot of hairspray in my hair to keep it from jumping around — so much so, the one thing I was worried about was having a 'Pepsi moment.' "

The seemingly innocent crack was a reference to the 1984 on-set accident in which late pop icon Michael Jackson was badly burned during the shooting of a Pepsi commercial by some wayward pyro effects. The serious burns he suffered in the incident allegedly led to his longtime addiction to pain medication and prescription drugs.

The Jackson family was not amused by the quip and sent a statement to TMZ on Thursday.

"We were shocked to see this. It's nothing to make light of and everybody should be focusing on who was responsible for Michael's death," read the statement. Family patriarch Joseph Jackson also was reportedly miffed that "Idol" producers did not cut the comment from the West Coast feed of the show.

Durbin defended his slip-up in a tweet, which has since been scrubbed from the singer's official "Idol" Twitter feed, that explained, "For anyone talkin ... I said pepsi NOT MJ! I have no disrespect for Michael. I grew up singing his art. I guess youll take it how you want it." He later added, "Talkin about MJs passing is too soon. Making a reference to an incident 25 years ago..not too soon. The stab was at pepsi people."

It's worth noting that Pepsi's bitter rival, Coca-Cola, is the main "Idol" sponsor, a fact that Seacrest reminded Durbin of in an awkward moment after the comment on the show.

What did you think of James Durbin's "Pepsi" quip? Tell us in the comments.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1661097/jackson-family-james-durbin-american-idol.jhtml

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Preview 'Lady Gaga: Inside The Outside'

Photo: MTV News

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1664075

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MTV Movie Awards Meme Spoofs: Best Movie Nominees Get Parodied!

The 2011 MTV Movie Awards are just around the corner, but before you cast your vote for Best Movie, how about looking at each nominee through a slightly different lens?
MTV News has teamed up with Starbucks Frappucino ® for the MTV Movie Awards Meme Mash-Ups, where we'll be spoofing each of this year's Best [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/05/27/mtv-movie-awards-meme-spoofs/

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Mike ?The Situation? Sorrentino & Ronnie Magro Make-Up After Their Reported Fight

On Tuesday we learned that Jersey Shore castmates Mike The Situation Sorrentino and Ronnie Magro, currently filming the 4th season of JS in Florence, Italy, got into some sort of physical altercation that resulted in bruised hands for Ronnie and a bruised face for Mike. Yesterday, we saw photos of Ronnie‘s bandaged hand … and [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/PP97cy5NPH4/

Brody Dalle Christina DaRe Amanda Righetti Aaliyah Katharine Towne

Friday, May 27, 2011

Usher - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)

Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)

Artist: Usher
Label: JLG
Director: Chris Robinson
Album: Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1270&vid=476362

Jennie Finch Amanda Marcum Daniella Alonso Kat Von D Hayden Panettiere

Photos | 'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010

'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010

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Photos | Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas

Britney Spears Brings Down The House In Las Vegas

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1660731

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Les News, 052611

First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden pay a visit to Sesame Street. It’s ok, cuz WE know that Kellan Lutz is hot. Water on the Moon? Can you really raise a baby to be genderless? Um, duh, strippers work the poles on NYC subways. Click HERE to meet your new American Idol. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/riJGYErdeO0/

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Justin Bieber Responds To Marg Helgenberger Calling Him 'A Brat'

'It's kinda lame when someone you met briefly comments on you,' he tweeted after 'CSI' star's interview.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber on "CSI"
Photo: CBS

Justin Bieber apparently reads what people say about him. On Monday (May 9), he took to Twitter to react to comments by "CSI" star Marg Helgenberger, who called him a "brat."

"I probably shouldn't say this, but he was kind of a brat," Helgenberger said in an interview with French radio show Le Grand Direct des Medias on Friday when asked about the teen phenom's time on the set.

She continued, offering specific examples from when Bieber filmed guest appearances on "CSI." "He locked one of the producers in a closet," she said. "And he put his fist through a cake that was on the craft services table."

Bieber's response? "It's kinda lame when someone you met briefly and never worked with comments on you. I will continue to wish them luck and be kind. #killemwithkindness," he wrote. "Even last week they had me scolded on a plane in the news because i wasnt in my seat fast enough. She was right and i sat down. That's news? I know who i am and sometimes people r just going 2 say what they want. Keep ur head up and be the man ur mama raised. #killemwithkindness.

"Rumors are just that ... rumors," Bieber continued. "In the end if you just be kind and be yourself people will know who you are. That goes for anyone i think. as for now ... we are in the JUNGLE!! Dont spread gossip and dont spread rumors about others ... im a kid and i know that. #respect."

He then tweeted a link to a video clip of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" from "The Lion King."

Reps for both Bieber and "CSI" had not responded to MTV News' request for comment by press time.

MTV News spoke to "CSI" producer Carol Mendelsohn last year, after Bieber had taped his first appearance on the show. (He appeared again earlier this year.) She had only kind words about the actor.

"I thought that he did a really good job. We only had Justin for a day, for 10 and a half hours, and he had a lot of work crammed into those 10 and a half hours," she said, adding, "It's hard for any accomplished, mature actor to come on the set and fall right into character and do your work, so kudos to Justin."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1663487/justin-bieber-marg-helgenberger-csi.jhtml

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'Glee' Season Finale Exclusive: Listen To 'Yeah!' Here

An a cappella girl group covers Usher's hit for Nationals in next week's episode.
By Aly Semigran

Usher
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

What do you think of this a cappella group's version of "Yeah!"? Let us know in the comments section below!

Related Artists

Usher

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664208/glee-season-finale-usher-yeah.jhtml

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Photos | Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

Best And Worst Grammy Fashions

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Photos | Justin Bieber's 'Never Say Never' L.A. Premiere

Justin Bieber's 'Never Say Never' L.A. Premiere

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1657530

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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Michael Jackson Estate Rakes In $310 Million To Date

Singer left behind more than $400 million in debt.

Michael Jackson
Photo: Time Life Pictures/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Im

Between album sales, movie profits, licensing arrangements and lucrative deals for Cirque du Soleil shows, the estate of late King of Pop Michael Jackson has raked in more than $300 million since the singer's shocking death in June 2009.

According to TMZ, legal documents released on Thursday reveal that executors of MJ's estate have managed to make a major dent in the more than $400 million in debt that Jackson owed at the time of his death.

The first accounting from the executors shows that they have already spent around $159 million paying back various debts, income taxes and other expenses, which include providing support for the pop star's mother, Katherine Jackson, as well as his three young children.

"Although there remain unresolved creditor claims, pending litigation and additional challenging business, tax and legal issues, and the estate is not yet in a condition to be closed, the executors have made substantial progress in reducing the estate's debt," the documents state, according to a Reuters report. Two of Jackson's longtime confidants, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, were named as administrators in a will sign by the pop icon.

In addition to paying to make "substantial improvements" to the Jackson family's Havenhurst estate in Encino, California, the executors also spent an undetermined amount of money on "last illness and funeral and memorial service expenses." Those costs included a $900,000 payment to the Forest Lawn Memorial cemetery where Jackson is buried and $35,000 on expenses described as "costume for memorial."

TMZ reported that not only did the famously cash-strapped Jackson have more than $400 million in debt, but his estate also owed more than $40 million to concert promoter AEG tied to the scuttled This Is It Tour, for which MJ was rehearsing when he died unexpectedly. They've also paid $27.2 million in taxes and $4 million in mortgage payments on Jackson's properties.

Despite the solid sales of the Michael album and millions of units of the singer's back catalog being sold, as well as the box office of the "This Is It" movie and DVD sales, the estate is not nearly out of the woods. TMZ noted that the administrators have received more than 65 creditors' claims, some of which are subject to "extremely high" interest rates, and there are several outstanding lawsuits against the estate in several countries.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658290/michael-jackson-estate.jhtml

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Photos | "Michael Jackson's This Is It"

"Michael Jackson's This Is It"

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Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1621210

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Photos | 2011 Billboard Music Awards

2011 Billboard Music Awards

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Stephen King Would Like Lindsay Lohan To Star In The Film Remake Of ?Carrie?

Last last week, author Stephen King spoke with Entertainment Weekly magazine about the talk going around about plans to remake the 1976 horror classic Carrie (based on his original novel). As you may know, Sissy Spacek played the role of Carrie in the classic original film but in new remarks to EW, King suggests that [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/PCenCLxwuuY/

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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Photos | Ke$ha On The Set Of Her Video For 'Take It Off'

Ke$ha On The Set Of Her Video For 'Take It Off'

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Ke$ha

Source: http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1643229

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Actress/Model Estella Warren?s Crazy Arrest Deets!

Actress/Model Estella Warren’s Crazy Arrest Deets!

Actress/model Estella Warren looks like an angel but apparently is a little devil!� Estella was arrested for DUI, crashing into three cars, kicking a cop, and slipping out of handcuffs and trying to run from police! Estella Warren was arrested on Monday evening after slamming her Toyota Prius into three parked cars and driving away [...]

Actress/Model Estella Warren’s Crazy Arrest Deets! Stupid Celebrities GossipStupid Celebrities Gossip News