Is Spencer Pratt taking steps to lose his villainous image? In a new video posted on YouTube, the reality star makes a dramatic spectacle of shaving the grizzly beard that he's worn for the last few months.
"In honor of things working out between my wife Heidi Montag and myself," Pratt said, of his reasons to shave, he has an "assistant" take a knife to his face and get rid of the facial hair.
The wacky video consists of fake blood and banjo music, and is pretty much as mind-boggling as Pratt's behavior over the last year.
Watch the video below:
Do you think Spencer's video is funny? Chime in below!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
'Eastbound And Down' Cast Talks Marilyn Manson's Cameo Bid
'I think it's fantastic,' says executive producer Will Ferrell, while star Danny McBride has a bizarre acting tip for the rocker.By Kara Warner
Marilyn Manson
Photo: Valerie Macon/ Getty Images
If fans thought news of Marilyn Manson's "Eastbound and Down" superfandom was surprising, then they may have been more shocked to learn that Manson is vying for a cameo on the zany HBO series. Manson told MTV News he'd like to step into the shoes of awkward-yet-eager sidekick Stevie (played by Steve Little). So we asked some of the folks attached to the show for their thoughts on Manson's small-screen aspirations.
"Honestly, I'm honored," the show's executive producer/ writer/ director Jody Hill told us at the star-studded season-two premiere. "I saw Marilyn Manson open up for Nine Inch Nails when I was in high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina," Hill recalled. "So the fact that he's heard of the Kenny Powers series is pretty awesome."
We then informed Hill that Manson would love to play Stevie in some sort of guest role. "Really?" Hill laughed. "OK, great, I'd love that. He can play his brother."
Series star Danny McBride, who plays Kenny Powers, had an alternative suggestion: "I imagine he could just cut [actor] Steve Little's flesh off and wear it, and just kind of be him," McBride offered, before adding that he had considered wearing a Manson-inspired getup himself. "I was going to come here dressed as Marilyn Manson but I pu--ied out at the last moment."
"Eastbound" 's executive producers (and famed "Funny or Die" founders), Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, were similarly enthused about Manson's enthusiasm. "I think it's fantastic," Ferrell told us.
Meanwhile, McKay seemed to suspect before anyone else did that the show would appeal to the "Beautiful People" singer. "I don't want to say I took it for granted, but I gotta say the first episode of this I saw, I thought, 'If Marilyn Manson doesn't like this then we've done something wrong.' "
"Yeah," Ferrell chimed in.
What do you think of Marilyn Manson being a big "Eastbound and Down" fan? Should he make a cameo? Let us know in the comments!
Marilyn Manson
Photo: Valerie Macon/ Getty Images
If fans thought news of Marilyn Manson's "Eastbound and Down" superfandom was surprising, then they may have been more shocked to learn that Manson is vying for a cameo on the zany HBO series. Manson told MTV News he'd like to step into the shoes of awkward-yet-eager sidekick Stevie (played by Steve Little). So we asked some of the folks attached to the show for their thoughts on Manson's small-screen aspirations.
"Honestly, I'm honored," the show's executive producer/ writer/ director Jody Hill told us at the star-studded season-two premiere. "I saw Marilyn Manson open up for Nine Inch Nails when I was in high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina," Hill recalled. "So the fact that he's heard of the Kenny Powers series is pretty awesome."
We then informed Hill that Manson would love to play Stevie in some sort of guest role. "Really?" Hill laughed. "OK, great, I'd love that. He can play his brother."
Series star Danny McBride, who plays Kenny Powers, had an alternative suggestion: "I imagine he could just cut [actor] Steve Little's flesh off and wear it, and just kind of be him," McBride offered, before adding that he had considered wearing a Manson-inspired getup himself. "I was going to come here dressed as Marilyn Manson but I pu--ied out at the last moment."
"Eastbound" 's executive producers (and famed "Funny or Die" founders), Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, were similarly enthused about Manson's enthusiasm. "I think it's fantastic," Ferrell told us.
Meanwhile, McKay seemed to suspect before anyone else did that the show would appeal to the "Beautiful People" singer. "I don't want to say I took it for granted, but I gotta say the first episode of this I saw, I thought, 'If Marilyn Manson doesn't like this then we've done something wrong.' "
"Yeah," Ferrell chimed in.
What do you think of Marilyn Manson being a big "Eastbound and Down" fan? Should he make a cameo? Let us know in the comments!
Jersey Shore?s Jenni ?J-woww? Farley To Pose Nude For Playboy?
Jersey Shore’s J-Woww, whose real name is Jenni Farley, is reportedly in talks with Playboy to pose nekkid!� Read more on J-WOWW’s negotiations with Playboy below! Jenni Farley, J-Woww, is in talks with Playboy magazine to pose naked for a reported $400,000! The only catch is that the Playboy shoot may conflict with Farley’s MTV [...]
What I Did For Love Video: Rachel Berry Glee
Glee premiered tonight so naturally Rachel Berry?s song ?What I Did for Love? lyrics and video are a hot search. We have them here so come and check it out!
Gleeks! The hit show is already starting trends, and tonight?s performance by Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, of ?What I Did For Love? from the [...]
Gleeks! The hit show is already starting trends, and tonight?s performance by Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, of ?What I Did For Love? from the [...]
Photos | 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Trailer Frames
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Justin Bieber Caught Making Out With Singer Jasmine Villegas (Photos)
Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber is apparently dating singer Jasmine Villegas (or just making out with her).� Read more and see the photos of Bieber’s backseat lovin’ below. Justin Bieber has been photographed kissing singer Jasmine Villegas, who is his opening act on his tour as well as the girl featured in his “Baby” video. The [...]
Megan Fox Clarifies Mickey Rourke Tattoo Comments
'It's not necessarily an homage to him,' she says of the ink that reminds her of 'Passion Play' co-star.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Megan Fox
Photo: MTV News
Anyone familiar with the ever-changing Internet news cycle should know to tread carefully where celebrity stories are concerned, particularly those that involve engaged actresses falling in love with co-stars and expressing that emotion via tattoos.
Case in point, a chat we had with Megan Fox back in June, wherein the easy-on-the-eyes actress revealed to MTV News that she feels a special bond with her "Passion Play" co-star Mickey Rourke — so much so that she got inked in his honor.
"I actually got a tattoo that is sort of in honor of him," she told us at the time. "It's on my ribs. I don't know if it's been photographed yet, but it'll come out eventually, I'm sure. I just love him very much and think he's very special."
Incredibly enough, that little blurb was taken out of context by several outlets of the tabloid variety. So when we ran into Fox again recently, she helped clarify the rumor-gone-wild.
"Maybe it was your fault," Fox said at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was promoting "Passion Play." "But it turned into, even though I was in love with [husband] Brian [Austin Green], it turned into that I was secretly in love with Mickey Rourke and got a tattoo to release the angst," she said. "It was not about that. I have a tattoo that is a Nietzsche quote that sort of basically is about marching to the beat of your own drummer and not being afraid to do that. I was saying that it reminds me of Mickey, of course, because he clearly is not marching to anyone else's drummer, drumbeat, and that's all. It's not necessarily an homage to him."
And there you have it, Megan Fox fans: ink explained.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Photo: MTV News
Anyone familiar with the ever-changing Internet news cycle should know to tread carefully where celebrity stories are concerned, particularly those that involve engaged actresses falling in love with co-stars and expressing that emotion via tattoos.
Case in point, a chat we had with Megan Fox back in June, wherein the easy-on-the-eyes actress revealed to MTV News that she feels a special bond with her "Passion Play" co-star Mickey Rourke — so much so that she got inked in his honor.
"I actually got a tattoo that is sort of in honor of him," she told us at the time. "It's on my ribs. I don't know if it's been photographed yet, but it'll come out eventually, I'm sure. I just love him very much and think he's very special."
Incredibly enough, that little blurb was taken out of context by several outlets of the tabloid variety. So when we ran into Fox again recently, she helped clarify the rumor-gone-wild.
"Maybe it was your fault," Fox said at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was promoting "Passion Play." "But it turned into, even though I was in love with [husband] Brian [Austin Green], it turned into that I was secretly in love with Mickey Rourke and got a tattoo to release the angst," she said. "It was not about that. I have a tattoo that is a Nietzsche quote that sort of basically is about marching to the beat of your own drummer and not being afraid to do that. I was saying that it reminds me of Mickey, of course, because he clearly is not marching to anyone else's drummer, drumbeat, and that's all. It's not necessarily an homage to him."
And there you have it, Megan Fox fans: ink explained.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Spencer Pratt's Beard-Shaving Video
Publicly ridding himself of his unsightly scruffy facial hair, Spencer Pratt has videotaped himself shaving off his beard.
Always keeping things over-the-top, the former "Hills" star played banjo music in the background while wielding a big knife and covering himself with fake blood during the clip.
Talking during the recording, Pratt explains that he decided to rid of his beard "in honor of things working out between my wife, Heidi Montag, and myself."
As previously reported by GossipCenter, Spencer and Heidi sealed their rekindled romance with a big smooch during her birthday celebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo last week.
Always keeping things over-the-top, the former "Hills" star played banjo music in the background while wielding a big knife and covering himself with fake blood during the clip.
Talking during the recording, Pratt explains that he decided to rid of his beard "in honor of things working out between my wife, Heidi Montag, and myself."
As previously reported by GossipCenter, Spencer and Heidi sealed their rekindled romance with a big smooch during her birthday celebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo last week.
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Susan Sarandon: I Hope My Kids "Stay Hungry and Foolish"
The 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' star dishes about her dreams for her kids and how movie roles change as she gets older
Lindsay Lohan & Crew Roam The Streets Of Venice
Right around the time yesterday that an arrest warrant was issued for Lindsay Lohan, who famously failed 2 court-ordered drug tests leading to the revocation of her probation from charges stemming from her 2007 DUI conviction, L. Lo and her peeps (including her brother Michael Lohan, Jr. and rumored girlfriend Eilat Anschel) were out roaming [...]
'Catfish' Subject Is A 'Bit More Wary' When It Comes To The Web
Nev Schulman now understands where taking risks 'can lead when it comes to the Internet.'By Kara Warner
Nev Schulman
Photo: MTV News
The much-buzzed-about little indie that could, "Catfish," is finally in theaters. Despite the unusual approach Universal took with the marketing campaign — i.e., setting up the Sundance darling as a genre or horror-like film — it is a must-see movie with a very timely and unique message.
The heavily hyped documentary revolves around NYC-based photographer Nev Schulman and a series of curious events that occur when he begins an online friendship with an 8-year-old girl and a romantic relationship with her older sister.
When MTV News caught up with the filmmakers, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, they addressed the persistent "is it real?" debate. A few weeks later, we had the opportunity to sit down with all three of the "Catfish" guys: the filmmakers and the movie's star/subject, Nev Schulman.
Because the film exposes a very real and, at times, emotional real-life experience related to the realm of online relationships and social networking, we asked Nev if he has since changed his virtual presence or approach (without revealing any spoilers, of course).
"Through all of this, basically, I'm trying to stay true to my regular behavior," Schulman said. "I like to take risks, putting myself out there, saying yes to things. I have certainly a new appreciation for where that can lead when it comes to the Internet," he explained. "So when it comes to meeting new people online, I'm definitely a little bit more wary now as far as getting to know them too personally before I actually meet with them in person, but as far as using the Internet and Facebook and Twitter and YouTube and having accounts on all these social-networking websites, I think it's great. I think that there's a lot of good that can come from it."
Nev Schulman added that until you really know someone, it's best to err on the private side of things. At least in the beginning of a virtual relationship — no matter if it's platonic or romantic.
"Basically, what it comes down to is, keep it private, because you can always share with people once you're ready to, but there's no reason to willy-nilly share everything about yourself with anybody."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Nev Schulman
Photo: MTV News
The much-buzzed-about little indie that could, "Catfish," is finally in theaters. Despite the unusual approach Universal took with the marketing campaign — i.e., setting up the Sundance darling as a genre or horror-like film — it is a must-see movie with a very timely and unique message.
The heavily hyped documentary revolves around NYC-based photographer Nev Schulman and a series of curious events that occur when he begins an online friendship with an 8-year-old girl and a romantic relationship with her older sister.
When MTV News caught up with the filmmakers, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, they addressed the persistent "is it real?" debate. A few weeks later, we had the opportunity to sit down with all three of the "Catfish" guys: the filmmakers and the movie's star/subject, Nev Schulman.
Because the film exposes a very real and, at times, emotional real-life experience related to the realm of online relationships and social networking, we asked Nev if he has since changed his virtual presence or approach (without revealing any spoilers, of course).
"Through all of this, basically, I'm trying to stay true to my regular behavior," Schulman said. "I like to take risks, putting myself out there, saying yes to things. I have certainly a new appreciation for where that can lead when it comes to the Internet," he explained. "So when it comes to meeting new people online, I'm definitely a little bit more wary now as far as getting to know them too personally before I actually meet with them in person, but as far as using the Internet and Facebook and Twitter and YouTube and having accounts on all these social-networking websites, I think it's great. I think that there's a lot of good that can come from it."
Nev Schulman added that until you really know someone, it's best to err on the private side of things. At least in the beginning of a virtual relationship — no matter if it's platonic or romantic.
"Basically, what it comes down to is, keep it private, because you can always share with people once you're ready to, but there's no reason to willy-nilly share everything about yourself with anybody."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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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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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Kid Rock Says Waffle House Lawsuit Could Have Cost Him Millions
'Do people really think I was being sued for $6,000?' rap-rocker asks MTV News.By Kyle Anderson, with reporting by Tim Kash
Kid Rock
Photo: MTV News
Considering his stature as an international music star, it's never especially surprising to find Kid Rock in the news. But last week, Rock made his way into headlines for a rather dubious reason, as he was forced to pay out $40,000 to a man named Harlen Akins, who sued him for his involvement in a brawl that took place at an Atlanta-area Waffle House in 2007.
Kid Rock
Photo: MTV News
Considering his stature as an international music star, it's never especially surprising to find Kid Rock in the news. But last week, Rock made his way into headlines for a rather dubious reason, as he was forced to pay out $40,000 to a man named Harlen Akins, who sued him for his involvement in a brawl that took place at an Atlanta-area Waffle House in 2007.
T-Mobile SUED For Blocking Marijuana App!
Tisk, tisk!
The text-messaging service EZ Texting is reportedly suing T-Mobile because they allegedly blocked them over one of their clients offering SMS information on the location of medical marijuana dispensaries!
According to the lawsuit, the EZ client, WeedMaps, is a "a community where medical marijuana patients connect with other patients in their geographic region to freely [...]
The text-messaging service EZ Texting is reportedly suing T-Mobile because they allegedly blocked them over one of their clients offering SMS information on the location of medical marijuana dispensaries!
According to the lawsuit, the EZ client, WeedMaps, is a "a community where medical marijuana patients connect with other patients in their geographic region to freely [...]
Usher - There Goes My Baby
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Celebrate Wendy O. Williams' Birthday With Bobblehead Doll
What better way to celebrate Wendy O. Williams' 61st birthday on May 28 (if she hadn't blown her head off at age 48) than with a cute, scantily clad bobblehead doll.
Yes, Aggronautix, the company that, in 2009, presented a bobblehead of GG Allin -- the lovable now-deceased counter culture character who beat up audience members, [...]
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What I Did For Love Video: Rachel Berry Glee
Glee premiered tonight so naturally Rachel Berry?s song ?What I Did for Love? lyrics and video are a hot search. We have them here so come and check it out!
Gleeks! The hit show is already starting trends, and tonight?s performance by Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, of ?What I Did For Love? from the [...]
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Lindsay Lohan E-Trade Lawsuit Drama Finally Over!
It looks like our favorite struggling celebrity has finally found a way to make some money! Lindsay Lohan?s E-Trade lawsuit was settled outside of court yesterday, and sources told TMZ that the star cleared a pretty penny in the deal. Check out photos and videos on the story below!
Asking for $100 million in damages following [...]
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?The New York Times? Previews The Coming 5th Season Of ?Dexter?
With less than a week away from the season 5 premiere of Dexter on Showtime, The New York Times has published a fantastic article on the show which features interviews with the cast, crew and makers of Dexter. Here is a photo of Dexter star Michael C. Hall and some excerpts from this new piece [...]
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Why I Drink
I'm drinking "pink lemonade" at my mom's house right now. Too many nights here might turn me into a closet drunk. All I have to say is one day this miniature Yorkie will be mine.?
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Simon Barney, From ?The Real Housewives Of Orange County?, Busted!
Reality TV fans of the original Housewives series on Bravo TV The Real Housewives of Orange County might be interested in knowing that real househusband Simon Barney was just arrested on charges of domestic battery after he was involved in an incident with his estranged wife and RHOOC star Tamra Barney. Fans of the series [...]
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Chris Brown's BET Performance Joins List Of Greatest Pop-Culture Crying Fits
Halle Berry, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake and more have had their moments.By Kyle Anderson
Chris Brown performs at the 2010 BET awards on Sunday
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
Despite the triumphant TV returns of Kanye West, T.I. and El DeBarge at Sunday night's 2010 BET Awards, the big headline from the show was Chris Brown's moving tribute to late superstar Michael Jackson. Brown flawlessly executed all of Jackson's most classic dance moves (including a scorching moonwalk), but when it came time to lend his voice to Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," Brown broke down in tears and could not sing, apparently overwhelmed by the emotion of the situation.
Crying in public is hardly a new phenomenon in the world of popular culture. Brown joins the list of some of the biggest stars in the world who have also broken down on television.
Halle Berry
When Berry won the Oscar for Best Actress at the 74th Annual Academy Awards in 2002 (for her work in "Monster's Ball"), she became the first African-American woman to take home the prize. That, combined with the overwhelming experience that was making the emotionally-charged "Monster's Ball" and the huge standing ovation she received, threw Berry into hysterics during her acceptance speech. "This moment is so much bigger than me," she said.
Kelly Clarkson
When Kelly Clarkson won the very first season of "American Idol," she was initially in a state of shock. Unable to express how she was feeling to the television audience who voted her the victor over Justin Guarini, she moved on to her performance of "A Moment Like This." When she hit the lyric, "I can't believe it's happening to me," she finally broke. She managed to get through the song, but to continuously apologized for her emotion.
Justin Timberlake
Ashton Kutcher's hit MTV show "Punked" certainly pushed a lot of his famous friends to the brink, but few had a reaction like Timberlake. When Kutcher's crew of actors pretended to be federal officers seizing most of his possessions for failure to pay back taxes, Timberlake flipped out and wept. Usually, Kutcher's reveal at the end of the episode throws the celebrity in question into laughing jags or fits of anger, but Timberlake was clearly just filled with relief.
Tonya Harding
Athletes cry all the time, but it's usually because of the overwhelming thrill of victory or the agony of bitter defeat. Rarely do they weep during a particular competition, but that's exactly what Harding did at the 1994 Winter Olympics. After dealing with her connection to the attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan in the run-up to the games, Harding took the ice only to realize that a lace on one of her skates had broken. In between sobs, she pleaded with the judges to allow her to get new laces and start over. They allowed it, though Harding still only finished eighth.
Crystal Bowersox
The season nine "American Idol" runner-up had an extremely emotional run to the finals (including a harrowing health scare), but it took merely the presence of her father and a particularly heartfelt song to push her to tears. Bowersox slipped a handful of sobs into her performance of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions' "People Get Ready" during Inspirational Week on the show. It was one of the many performances that put Bowersox in the discussion of the best "Idol" contestants of all time.
Tracy Morgan
The always unpredictable star of "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" has had a tough life and a challenging career, but the mere mention of co-star Tina Fey sent Morgan on the crying train when he visited with Oprah Winfrey on an episode of her show back in April. "She's my friend. Tina is my friend. I love her," he told Winfrey as he was fighting back tears.
"Crying Girl"
There are an awful lot of "American Idol" moments on this list, aren't there? Ashley Ferl gained notoriety during the show's sixth season not as a contestant but as a particularly emotional audience member. The 13-year-old Ferl was so taken with "Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar's take on the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" that she sobbed uncontrollably, earning herself a great deal of screen time and the privilege of becoming an Internet meme for a while.
Did we miss any? What is the best incident of celebrity crying? And what did you think of Brown's performance? Let us know in the comments!
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Chris Brown performs at the 2010 BET awards on Sunday
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images
Despite the triumphant TV returns of Kanye West, T.I. and El DeBarge at Sunday night's 2010 BET Awards, the big headline from the show was Chris Brown's moving tribute to late superstar Michael Jackson. Brown flawlessly executed all of Jackson's most classic dance moves (including a scorching moonwalk), but when it came time to lend his voice to Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," Brown broke down in tears and could not sing, apparently overwhelmed by the emotion of the situation.
Crying in public is hardly a new phenomenon in the world of popular culture. Brown joins the list of some of the biggest stars in the world who have also broken down on television.
Halle Berry
When Berry won the Oscar for Best Actress at the 74th Annual Academy Awards in 2002 (for her work in "Monster's Ball"), she became the first African-American woman to take home the prize. That, combined with the overwhelming experience that was making the emotionally-charged "Monster's Ball" and the huge standing ovation she received, threw Berry into hysterics during her acceptance speech. "This moment is so much bigger than me," she said.
Kelly Clarkson
When Kelly Clarkson won the very first season of "American Idol," she was initially in a state of shock. Unable to express how she was feeling to the television audience who voted her the victor over Justin Guarini, she moved on to her performance of "A Moment Like This." When she hit the lyric, "I can't believe it's happening to me," she finally broke. She managed to get through the song, but to continuously apologized for her emotion.
Justin Timberlake
Ashton Kutcher's hit MTV show "Punked" certainly pushed a lot of his famous friends to the brink, but few had a reaction like Timberlake. When Kutcher's crew of actors pretended to be federal officers seizing most of his possessions for failure to pay back taxes, Timberlake flipped out and wept. Usually, Kutcher's reveal at the end of the episode throws the celebrity in question into laughing jags or fits of anger, but Timberlake was clearly just filled with relief.
Tonya Harding
Athletes cry all the time, but it's usually because of the overwhelming thrill of victory or the agony of bitter defeat. Rarely do they weep during a particular competition, but that's exactly what Harding did at the 1994 Winter Olympics. After dealing with her connection to the attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan in the run-up to the games, Harding took the ice only to realize that a lace on one of her skates had broken. In between sobs, she pleaded with the judges to allow her to get new laces and start over. They allowed it, though Harding still only finished eighth.
Crystal Bowersox
The season nine "American Idol" runner-up had an extremely emotional run to the finals (including a harrowing health scare), but it took merely the presence of her father and a particularly heartfelt song to push her to tears. Bowersox slipped a handful of sobs into her performance of Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions' "People Get Ready" during Inspirational Week on the show. It was one of the many performances that put Bowersox in the discussion of the best "Idol" contestants of all time.
Tracy Morgan
The always unpredictable star of "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" has had a tough life and a challenging career, but the mere mention of co-star Tina Fey sent Morgan on the crying train when he visited with Oprah Winfrey on an episode of her show back in April. "She's my friend. Tina is my friend. I love her," he told Winfrey as he was fighting back tears.
"Crying Girl"
There are an awful lot of "American Idol" moments on this list, aren't there? Ashley Ferl gained notoriety during the show's sixth season not as a contestant but as a particularly emotional audience member. The 13-year-old Ferl was so taken with "Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar's take on the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" that she sobbed uncontrollably, earning herself a great deal of screen time and the privilege of becoming an Internet meme for a while.
Did we miss any? What is the best incident of celebrity crying? And what did you think of Brown's performance? Let us know in the comments!
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Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy
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Britney Spears May Cover 'Me Against The Music' On 'Glee'
Pop star tweeted a photo showing her and castmember Heather Morris sporting looks from Madonna duet video.By Mawuse Ziegbe
Heather Morris and Britney Spears on the set of "Glee"
Photo: Facebook
It appears viewers may get a taste of Madonna in Britney Spears' "Glee" episode.
Spears, who has been sending out updates from the set of the Fox megahit, tweeted a picture of herself in a scene reminiscent of her Madonna collaboration, "Me Against the Music." In the picture, Spears faces "Glee" castmember Heather Morris, who is decked out in a suit and blue shirt similar to the gender-bending look the superstar singer sports in the 2003 video. Instead of reprising her original look, though, Spears appears to be taking on Madonna's role, donning an all-white outfit reminiscent of Madge's look in the clip.
The singer accompanied the picture with a Twitter missive referencing the lyrics from the uptempo track: "All my GLEEKERS in the crowd, Grab a partner take it down."
In addition to possibly revamping "Me Against the Music," the upcoming Britney tribute episode will feature the smash hit that started it all. Jenna Ushkowitz confirmed to MTV News earlier this month that Lea Michele will perform a version of " ... Baby One More Time." Ushkowitz also revealed that fans may see a match-up between the "Circus" superstar and the show's in-house Brittany.
"Some old Britney, some new Britney, some Brittany of our Brittany from the glee club. So it should be funny," Ushkowitz said. "We're really excited. I love Britney Spears."
Madonna didn't participate in the making of her "Glee" tribute episode but Spears appears to be having fun on the set.
"We love GLEE! Its GLEEKERIFIC!!!" Spears tweeted on Thursday (August 19). The singer also tweeted about her first day of filming on Wednesday and sent out another picture. "What's up GLEEKS? Having so much fun on set!!" Spears typed. "Can't wait for you guys to see the episode!"
What songs do you hope will turn up in the Britney Spears "Glee" episode? Let us know in the comments below!
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Heather Morris and Britney Spears on the set of "Glee"
Photo: Facebook
It appears viewers may get a taste of Madonna in Britney Spears' "Glee" episode.
Spears, who has been sending out updates from the set of the Fox megahit, tweeted a picture of herself in a scene reminiscent of her Madonna collaboration, "Me Against the Music." In the picture, Spears faces "Glee" castmember Heather Morris, who is decked out in a suit and blue shirt similar to the gender-bending look the superstar singer sports in the 2003 video. Instead of reprising her original look, though, Spears appears to be taking on Madonna's role, donning an all-white outfit reminiscent of Madge's look in the clip.
The singer accompanied the picture with a Twitter missive referencing the lyrics from the uptempo track: "All my GLEEKERS in the crowd, Grab a partner take it down."
In addition to possibly revamping "Me Against the Music," the upcoming Britney tribute episode will feature the smash hit that started it all. Jenna Ushkowitz confirmed to MTV News earlier this month that Lea Michele will perform a version of " ... Baby One More Time." Ushkowitz also revealed that fans may see a match-up between the "Circus" superstar and the show's in-house Brittany.
"Some old Britney, some new Britney, some Brittany of our Brittany from the glee club. So it should be funny," Ushkowitz said. "We're really excited. I love Britney Spears."
Madonna didn't participate in the making of her "Glee" tribute episode but Spears appears to be having fun on the set.
"We love GLEE! Its GLEEKERIFIC!!!" Spears tweeted on Thursday (August 19). The singer also tweeted about her first day of filming on Wednesday and sent out another picture. "What's up GLEEKS? Having so much fun on set!!" Spears typed. "Can't wait for you guys to see the episode!"
What songs do you hope will turn up in the Britney Spears "Glee" episode? Let us know in the comments below!
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Is A New ?Bill & Ted? Sequel In The Works?
Ready for some pretty amazing news 90′s movie fans? According to Keanu Reeves himself, there is talk of making a sequel to the early 90′s films Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey! It looks like very soon we’ll be treated with another outing from Bill & Ted on the big [...]
Photos | Ke$ha Leaves Bathhouse Bar In London
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NFL Player Kenny McKinley Dead Of Apparent Suicide
Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley was found dead in his home Monday of an apparent suicide.� Read more on McKinley’s death below. Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said police were called to Kenny McKinley’s home in Centennial at 3:35 p.m. and discovered McKinley’s body in the second-floor master bedroom. Detectives believe McKinley, 23, committed [...]
Britney Spears' Ex-Bodyguard Defends Lawsuit
Fernando Flores tells TMZ he's 'standing up for what I believe is right.'By Kelley L. Carter
Britney Spears
Photo: David Aguilera/ BuzzFoto/ FilmMagic
A former bodyguard for pop superstar Britney Spears defended his sexual-harassment lawsuit Thursday (September 9), saying he's "standing up for what I believe is right."
Fernando Flores, the bodyguard who alleged earlier this week that the pop singer repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances toward him and exposed her naked or near-naked body to him, gave a quick interview to TMZ outside his lawyer's Orange County office.
Spears, however, denied the allegations, posting a statement on her website saying that she and her attorneys believed the suit would be dismissed. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read.
To Spears' statement, Flores told the gossip website "if that's what they think, then that's what they think."
A dollar amount isn't cited in the suit -- which is posted on TMZ -- but Flores is seeking damages based on the sexual-harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Flores also alleged in the suit that Spears abused her children. In the suit, he said the 28-year-old had sex and engaged in violent arguments in front of her two young sons.
Sources told TMZ that Flores' accusations of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt) were declared without merit by the Department of Children and Family Services.
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Photo: David Aguilera/ BuzzFoto/ FilmMagic
A former bodyguard for pop superstar Britney Spears defended his sexual-harassment lawsuit Thursday (September 9), saying he's "standing up for what I believe is right."
Fernando Flores, the bodyguard who alleged earlier this week that the pop singer repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances toward him and exposed her naked or near-naked body to him, gave a quick interview to TMZ outside his lawyer's Orange County office.
Spears, however, denied the allegations, posting a statement on her website saying that she and her attorneys believed the suit would be dismissed. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read.
To Spears' statement, Flores told the gossip website "if that's what they think, then that's what they think."
A dollar amount isn't cited in the suit -- which is posted on TMZ -- but Flores is seeking damages based on the sexual-harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Flores also alleged in the suit that Spears abused her children. In the suit, he said the 28-year-old had sex and engaged in violent arguments in front of her two young sons.
Sources told TMZ that Flores' accusations of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt) were declared without merit by the Department of Children and Family Services.
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Justin Bieber Backup Dancer Teaches MTV News Some Moves
'He's always doing good,' pint-size hoofer Miles Brown says of the Biebs.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Jim Cantiello
Justin Bieber
Photo: John Shearer/ WireImage
Naturally, the best part about Justin Bieber's debut VMA performance Sunday was the teen star himself. The hugely popular 16-year-old elicited squeals of delight the moment he set foot on the white carpet, where he and fellow Canadian Drake shared a moment of brotherly love (along with a few hints that the two superstars will be collaborating in the near future).
One of the biggest Bieber moments of the night (aside from his winning the coveted Best New Artist Moonman) was his killer live performance outside the Nokia Theatre. Introduced by Kim Kardashian and joined by the night's host Chelsea Handler — who stood among the screaming masses with a sign that read "Chelsea Loves Bieber" — his "Hard Days Night" -themed performance included "U Smile," "Baby" and "Somebody to Love."
When we caught up with one of the key elements in that performance -- pint-size backup dancer Miles Brown -- we asked him how he thought Bieber did. "Aw, man, that's my bro right there," Brown told MTV News at Sunday's show. "He's always doing good."
The talented youngster then tried to teach our own Jim Cantiello one of his patented Bieber moves, which included a lean to the side and a step back into place. We think we'll be seeing this kid again really soon.
His fans agreed that the performance was well worth it. "I thought it was cool," fan Genevieve told MTV News from her spot atop a balcony overlooking the stage. "He's a better performer than I thought."
Reagan agreed, saying, "He really put together a great performance."
What did you think of Bieber's dance-heavy VMA performance? Let us know in the comments!
The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there's plenty of 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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Naturally, the best part about Justin Bieber's debut VMA performance Sunday was the teen star himself. The hugely popular 16-year-old elicited squeals of delight the moment he set foot on the white carpet, where he and fellow Canadian Drake shared a moment of brotherly love (along with a few hints that the two superstars will be collaborating in the near future).
One of the biggest Bieber moments of the night (aside from his winning the coveted Best New Artist Moonman) was his killer live performance outside the Nokia Theatre. Introduced by Kim Kardashian and joined by the night's host Chelsea Handler — who stood among the screaming masses with a sign that read "Chelsea Loves Bieber" — his "Hard Days Night" -themed performance included "U Smile," "Baby" and "Somebody to Love."
When we caught up with one of the key elements in that performance -- pint-size backup dancer Miles Brown -- we asked him how he thought Bieber did. "Aw, man, that's my bro right there," Brown told MTV News at Sunday's show. "He's always doing good."
The talented youngster then tried to teach our own Jim Cantiello one of his patented Bieber moves, which included a lean to the side and a step back into place. We think we'll be seeing this kid again really soon.
His fans agreed that the performance was well worth it. "I thought it was cool," fan Genevieve told MTV News from her spot atop a balcony overlooking the stage. "He's a better performer than I thought."
Reagan agreed, saying, "He really put together a great performance."
What did you think of Bieber's dance-heavy VMA performance? Let us know in the comments!
The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there's plenty of 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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'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Stalled By Senate Vote
Despite Lady Gaga support, bill fails to pass.By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Chris Hondros/ Getty Images
Despite a last-minute push at a Monday rally in Maine and weeks of very public advocacy from Lady Gaga in favor of repealing the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring gay and lesbian soldiers from openly serving in the armed forces, Senate Democrats were unable to get enough votes to begin debate Tuesday (September 21).
Gaga rushed to Maine on Monday in an attempt to convince the state's two swing-vote Republican senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, to support repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." But when the vote came to the floor Tuesday to begin debate on the massive defense spending bill, which includes a repeal of the policy, the Democratic majority fell short of the 60 votes needed to bring the bill to debate, losing out 56-43.
The organization Gaga worked with to spearhead her two-week campaign to get the discussion started, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, issued a statement following the vote.
"Today's Senate vote was a frustrating blow to repeal this horrible law," said Army veteran Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN, a national organization dedicated to ending "don't ask, don't tell." "We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the mid-term elections. Let's be clear: Opponents to repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here."
The vote was done in thanks to a filibuster by Republican Senator and Vietnam veteran John McCain, who attempted to block the vote to begin debate on the National Defense Authorization Act over Republican claims that the Democrats were attempting to stifle debate on the bill and not allow the minority party to offer amendments to the massive spending package for the military.
President Obama has long promised a repeal of the Clinton-era legislation, and the House has already passed a version of the spending bill that included the reversal of "don't ask, don't tell." But with the measure stalled in the Senate, hopes of passage have faded significantly. With the midterm elections less than six weeks away and Republicans expected to make gains in both the House and Senate, possibly even taking over leadership of one or both bodies, supporters of repeal were looking at Tuesday's vote as their last, best chance for passage this year.
"We now have no choice but to look to the lame duck session where we'll have a slim shot," Sarvis said of the already-packed legislative session following the November midterm elections. "The Senate absolutely must schedule a vote in December when cooler heads and common sense are more likely to prevail once mid-term elections are behind us."
Gaga's very public efforts helped put the issue on front pages and screens from coast to coast, but CNN reported that both Collins and Snowe said the singer's appearance at Monday's rally in Maine had no effect on their crucial votes. Collins, in fact, supported the repeal but told the network she felt she had to stay in line with her colleagues and vote against debate for procedural reasons.
Share your thoughts about the vote in the comments.
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Photo: Chris Hondros/ Getty Images
Despite a last-minute push at a Monday rally in Maine and weeks of very public advocacy from Lady Gaga in favor of repealing the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring gay and lesbian soldiers from openly serving in the armed forces, Senate Democrats were unable to get enough votes to begin debate Tuesday (September 21).
Gaga rushed to Maine on Monday in an attempt to convince the state's two swing-vote Republican senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, to support repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." But when the vote came to the floor Tuesday to begin debate on the massive defense spending bill, which includes a repeal of the policy, the Democratic majority fell short of the 60 votes needed to bring the bill to debate, losing out 56-43.
The organization Gaga worked with to spearhead her two-week campaign to get the discussion started, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, issued a statement following the vote.
"Today's Senate vote was a frustrating blow to repeal this horrible law," said Army veteran Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN, a national organization dedicated to ending "don't ask, don't tell." "We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the mid-term elections. Let's be clear: Opponents to repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here."
The vote was done in thanks to a filibuster by Republican Senator and Vietnam veteran John McCain, who attempted to block the vote to begin debate on the National Defense Authorization Act over Republican claims that the Democrats were attempting to stifle debate on the bill and not allow the minority party to offer amendments to the massive spending package for the military.
President Obama has long promised a repeal of the Clinton-era legislation, and the House has already passed a version of the spending bill that included the reversal of "don't ask, don't tell." But with the measure stalled in the Senate, hopes of passage have faded significantly. With the midterm elections less than six weeks away and Republicans expected to make gains in both the House and Senate, possibly even taking over leadership of one or both bodies, supporters of repeal were looking at Tuesday's vote as their last, best chance for passage this year.
"We now have no choice but to look to the lame duck session where we'll have a slim shot," Sarvis said of the already-packed legislative session following the November midterm elections. "The Senate absolutely must schedule a vote in December when cooler heads and common sense are more likely to prevail once mid-term elections are behind us."
Gaga's very public efforts helped put the issue on front pages and screens from coast to coast, but CNN reported that both Collins and Snowe said the singer's appearance at Monday's rally in Maine had no effect on their crucial votes. Collins, in fact, supported the repeal but told the network she felt she had to stay in line with her colleagues and vote against debate for procedural reasons.
Share your thoughts about the vote in the comments.
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Gavin Hood Attached To Write & Direct 'Ender's Game' Adaptation
Hollywood isn't unaccustomed to tapping into classic literature for its own cinematic purposes, which is why it's so weird that we still haven't seen an adaptation of "Ender's Game." Orson Scott Card's beloved science fiction property has gotten the comic book treatment, but it's failed to hit theaters even with talented names like David Benioff [...]
Jake Gyllenhaal & Anne Hathaway Do ?W? Magazine
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Michael Jackson - Earth Song
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Label: MJJ
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Beyoncé - Diva
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Artist: Beyoncé
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Claire Danes: Saving The Children in NYC
Stepping out for a worthwhile cause, Claire Danes lent her celebrity to promote Save the Children's EVERY ONE campaign to end child mortality in New York City on Monday (September 20).
The Emmy winning actress took to Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal to unveil a unique visual petition comprised of 3 million thumbprints.
Talking about the effort, Danes tells, "Every three seconds in the developing world a child dies needlessly due to lack of basic health care and other things we all take for granted."
She adds, "I'm here today to add my thumbprint and my support to this cause, just one of three million people from across the globe ? from the poorest communities to world leaders ? who have signed up to Save the Children's EVERY ONE campaign."
The Emmy winning actress took to Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal to unveil a unique visual petition comprised of 3 million thumbprints.
Talking about the effort, Danes tells, "Every three seconds in the developing world a child dies needlessly due to lack of basic health care and other things we all take for granted."
She adds, "I'm here today to add my thumbprint and my support to this cause, just one of three million people from across the globe ? from the poorest communities to world leaders ? who have signed up to Save the Children's EVERY ONE campaign."
Ben Affleck And Jennifer Garner Grab Coffee Together
As all of you married couples out there know, once kids come along, you have to grab couple time together whenever you can! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were spotted having coffee together yesterday morning.
I hope they make some time to go out and celebrate this evening: Ben's new movie, 'The Town,' is projected to be the #1 movie this weekend! It was expected to come in #2 behind the teen movie 'Easy A,' but unless the teens turn out in force tonight, 'The Town' is expected to win the weekend.
After all his ups and downs, I'm sure Ben is a happy guy today :)
Photos by FAME
I hope they make some time to go out and celebrate this evening: Ben's new movie, 'The Town,' is projected to be the #1 movie this weekend! It was expected to come in #2 behind the teen movie 'Easy A,' but unless the teens turn out in force tonight, 'The Town' is expected to win the weekend.
After all his ups and downs, I'm sure Ben is a happy guy today :)
Photos by FAME
Lindsay Lohan Amphetamines Test Positive!
Things just seem to be getting worse for the out of control starlet Lindsay Lohan, her drug test was positive for amphetamines. Oh yes it looks like Lohan failed her weekly drug testing not once but twice in the last couple of weeks. There is more on this hot topic so keep reading there are [...]
Spotted: Peter Sarsgaard and Ramona Do Lunch
Peter Sarsgaard and daughter Ramona - along with Maggie Gyllenhaal's mom, Naomi Foner (not pictured) - dined alfresco Tuesday at Sant Ambroeus in New York City's West Village.
Trey Songz Says Passion, Pain & Pleasure Scales 'New Heights'
Passion, Pain & Pleasure is propelled by 2009 'defining album,' Ready, Trigger tells MTV News.By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Trey Songz
Photo: Atlantic Records
Trey Songz has established himself as a beloved R&B artist, but the singer said it wasn't until his last project, Ready, that he began to feel like he had ascended to star status.
"I definitely feel that that album was what I thought it was. Before even the masses got it or anybody heard it, I felt like it was a defining album in an artist's career," he told MTV News. "Because even before that album, I had a couple hits, I had top 10 records, but those were songs. I had hit songs but I wasn't a hit artist. But right now people know my name and right now I feel like with Ready being so successful, I felt that was me only scratching the surface of my potential. That was almost the beginning of my career, if you will.
With his latest release, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, Trey takes another big leap forward. Songz' first two offerings are already heating up at radio and on the charts. "Bottoms Up," featuring Nicki Minaj, sits in the top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 and "Unusual," featuring Drake, appears primed to follow suit.
"With Passion, Pain & Pleasure, I feel like I'm taking it to new heights," Songz said of his fourth studio album.
After dropping Ready in summer 2009, the singer upgraded his management team to include former Warner Music and Def Jam executive Kevin Liles. The move, Songz said, was just another example of him taking greater control of his career.
"As far as what I can attribute my success to, you know, taking charge of my career," he said. "Taking full control — from the music I make to the pictures I take."
What do you think of Trey Songz' new album? Share your reviews with us in the comments!
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Photo: Atlantic Records
Trey Songz has established himself as a beloved R&B artist, but the singer said it wasn't until his last project, Ready, that he began to feel like he had ascended to star status.
"I definitely feel that that album was what I thought it was. Before even the masses got it or anybody heard it, I felt like it was a defining album in an artist's career," he told MTV News. "Because even before that album, I had a couple hits, I had top 10 records, but those were songs. I had hit songs but I wasn't a hit artist. But right now people know my name and right now I feel like with Ready being so successful, I felt that was me only scratching the surface of my potential. That was almost the beginning of my career, if you will.
With his latest release, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, Trey takes another big leap forward. Songz' first two offerings are already heating up at radio and on the charts. "Bottoms Up," featuring Nicki Minaj, sits in the top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 and "Unusual," featuring Drake, appears primed to follow suit.
"With Passion, Pain & Pleasure, I feel like I'm taking it to new heights," Songz said of his fourth studio album.
After dropping Ready in summer 2009, the singer upgraded his management team to include former Warner Music and Def Jam executive Kevin Liles. The move, Songz said, was just another example of him taking greater control of his career.
"As far as what I can attribute my success to, you know, taking charge of my career," he said. "Taking full control — from the music I make to the pictures I take."
What do you think of Trey Songz' new album? Share your reviews with us in the comments!
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Megan Fox Clarifies Mickey Rourke Tattoo Comments
'It's not necessarily an homage to him,' she says of the ink that reminds her of 'Passion Play' co-star.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Megan Fox
Photo: MTV News
Anyone familiar with the ever-changing Internet news cycle should know to tread carefully where celebrity stories are concerned, particularly those that involve engaged actresses falling in love with co-stars and expressing that emotion via tattoos.
Case in point, a chat we had with Megan Fox back in June, wherein the easy-on-the-eyes actress revealed to MTV News that she feels a special bond with her "Passion Play" co-star Mickey Rourke — so much so that she got inked in his honor.
"I actually got a tattoo that is sort of in honor of him," she told us at the time. "It's on my ribs. I don't know if it's been photographed yet, but it'll come out eventually, I'm sure. I just love him very much and think he's very special."
Incredibly enough, that little blurb was taken out of context by several outlets of the tabloid variety. So when we ran into Fox again recently, she helped clarify the rumor-gone-wild.
"Maybe it was your fault," Fox said at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was promoting "Passion Play." "But it turned into, even though I was in love with [husband] Brian [Austin Green], it turned into that I was secretly in love with Mickey Rourke and got a tattoo to release the angst," she said. "It was not about that. I have a tattoo that is a Nietzsche quote that sort of basically is about marching to the beat of your own drummer and not being afraid to do that. I was saying that it reminds me of Mickey, of course, because he clearly is not marching to anyone else's drummer, drumbeat, and that's all. It's not necessarily an homage to him."
And there you have it, Megan Fox fans: ink explained.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Megan Fox
Photo: MTV News
Anyone familiar with the ever-changing Internet news cycle should know to tread carefully where celebrity stories are concerned, particularly those that involve engaged actresses falling in love with co-stars and expressing that emotion via tattoos.
Case in point, a chat we had with Megan Fox back in June, wherein the easy-on-the-eyes actress revealed to MTV News that she feels a special bond with her "Passion Play" co-star Mickey Rourke — so much so that she got inked in his honor.
"I actually got a tattoo that is sort of in honor of him," she told us at the time. "It's on my ribs. I don't know if it's been photographed yet, but it'll come out eventually, I'm sure. I just love him very much and think he's very special."
Incredibly enough, that little blurb was taken out of context by several outlets of the tabloid variety. So when we ran into Fox again recently, she helped clarify the rumor-gone-wild.
"Maybe it was your fault," Fox said at the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was promoting "Passion Play." "But it turned into, even though I was in love with [husband] Brian [Austin Green], it turned into that I was secretly in love with Mickey Rourke and got a tattoo to release the angst," she said. "It was not about that. I have a tattoo that is a Nietzsche quote that sort of basically is about marching to the beat of your own drummer and not being afraid to do that. I was saying that it reminds me of Mickey, of course, because he clearly is not marching to anyone else's drummer, drumbeat, and that's all. It's not necessarily an homage to him."
And there you have it, Megan Fox fans: ink explained.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Amanda Knox to Star in Prison?s Christmas Show
Calling her a ?formidable soprano,? an Italian jail?s musical director has asked convicted murderer Amanda Knox to star in the prison?s Christmas show alongside her fellow inmates. The 23-year-old is currently serving a 26 year sentence for her role in the murder of Meredith Kercher in 2007. Check out the full story, with pictures and [...]
Woo Hoo China!
20 Times a Lady has been published in China! On the mainland! Save Karyn only got as far as Taiwan. This is exciting. Maybe I'll get to go to Beijing!
I love Google translating the description of the foreign books into English. They're always so much fun to read.
Introduction
Et Dalila is a city of 29-year-old single female. Suddenly one day, she found that she had experienced 20 men, and the damned, "the New York Post" claims that the nation's average is 10.5. She fears to feel that their figures can not be higher, Ever have the "people will change the" optimism and insists that she gave its sad, disappointed that the men pick a Ruyilangjun.
She hired a private detective, found this and thought it would "never in contact with" the ex-boyfriend who frequently create "ah, dear! Is you!" And "Encounter." Then she found the old one now is really all-inclusive love - priests, homosexuality, mental illness, offenders, astronauts, etc. - can be described as "not the most superb, only more gourmet." A big laugh out of this farce staged.
The film adaptation of this book What's Your Number? Will be released in 2011.
About
Karin • Bosinake (Karyn Bosnak), the United States best-selling author, famous people blog. (Save Karyn) Blog "Save the Karin" (Save Karyn) and the same name novel, and that the "et Dalila and her former boyfriend were" deeply European and American women welcome.
I love Google translating the description of the foreign books into English. They're always so much fun to read.
Introduction
Et Dalila is a city of 29-year-old single female. Suddenly one day, she found that she had experienced 20 men, and the damned, "the New York Post" claims that the nation's average is 10.5. She fears to feel that their figures can not be higher, Ever have the "people will change the" optimism and insists that she gave its sad, disappointed that the men pick a Ruyilangjun.
She hired a private detective, found this and thought it would "never in contact with" the ex-boyfriend who frequently create "ah, dear! Is you!" And "Encounter." Then she found the old one now is really all-inclusive love - priests, homosexuality, mental illness, offenders, astronauts, etc. - can be described as "not the most superb, only more gourmet." A big laugh out of this farce staged.
The film adaptation of this book What's Your Number? Will be released in 2011.
About
Karin • Bosinake (Karyn Bosnak), the United States best-selling author, famous people blog. (Save Karyn) Blog "Save the Karin" (Save Karyn) and the same name novel, and that the "et Dalila and her former boyfriend were" deeply European and American women welcome.
Hot Dude Of The Week: Bernardo Velasco
Hurray!! It’s Hot Dude of the Week time … and today we get to check out a sexy photo of a Hot Dude from Brazil. Photographed by Lucio Luna, this week’s Hot Dude is showing his love for America’s beloved pastime … say hello to Bernardo Velasco: While Bernardo actually shows his love for a [...]
Britney Spears Makes First Appearance Since Lawsuit
A smiling Spears was spotted in L.A. on Thursday, just as news broke that she was being sued for sexual harassment.By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears out in Los Angeles on Thursday
Photo: Fame Pictures
After news broke that Britney Spears' former bodyguard Fernando Flores is suing her for sexual harassment, Spears made her first public appearance on Thursday. Rocking a big smile, skinny jeans, heels and a white man-tailored ruffled top, the pop star made her way through sunny Los Angeles just as the story of the sexual-harassment lawsuit was making waves in the media.
According to the suit, Flores claims Spears "made repeated unwanted sexual advances," exposed herself to him and engaged in "numerous sexual acts" in front of him. On her website, Spears posted a statement denying Flores' allegations. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself."
And in an interview later that day, Flores told TMZ that he is "standing up for what I believe is right."
Flores has also accused the singer of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt), but Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline, speaking through his lawyer, declared those accusations "baseless."
While it is unknown how much Flores is suing Spears for, he is seeking damages based around the sexual harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Attorney Michael Bononi, who is not involved in the case, told MTV News that the burden of proof will be on Flores.
"What he's gonna have to show in making these allegations is that he was subjected to a hostile work environment," Bononi said. "And it's gonna have to be hostile in two ways: one, that a reasonable person similarly situated would have been offended by the conduct and secondly that he was actually offended by the conduct."
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Britney Spears out in Los Angeles on Thursday
Photo: Fame Pictures
After news broke that Britney Spears' former bodyguard Fernando Flores is suing her for sexual harassment, Spears made her first public appearance on Thursday. Rocking a big smile, skinny jeans, heels and a white man-tailored ruffled top, the pop star made her way through sunny Los Angeles just as the story of the sexual-harassment lawsuit was making waves in the media.
According to the suit, Flores claims Spears "made repeated unwanted sexual advances," exposed herself to him and engaged in "numerous sexual acts" in front of him. On her website, Spears posted a statement denying Flores' allegations. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself."
And in an interview later that day, Flores told TMZ that he is "standing up for what I believe is right."
Flores has also accused the singer of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt), but Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline, speaking through his lawyer, declared those accusations "baseless."
While it is unknown how much Flores is suing Spears for, he is seeking damages based around the sexual harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Attorney Michael Bononi, who is not involved in the case, told MTV News that the burden of proof will be on Flores.
"What he's gonna have to show in making these allegations is that he was subjected to a hostile work environment," Bononi said. "And it's gonna have to be hostile in two ways: one, that a reasonable person similarly situated would have been offended by the conduct and secondly that he was actually offended by the conduct."
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Lady Gaga's Rally To Feature Testimonial From Discharged Marine
'I got the chance to meet her in D.C., and she genuinely cared about the issue,' former Marine Danny Hernandez says of Gaga.By Kyle Anderson
Lady Gaga with her military friends on the VMA red carpet
Photo: Getty Images
Since she first broke into the mainstream two years ago, Lady Gaga has used her fame to bring gay rights issues to the forefront. In the past few weeks, she has focused squarely on the repeal of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, including bringing several casualties of the law to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles and recording a video that encourages her fans to contact their senators to oppose the policy. On Monday (September 20), Gaga will host a rally in Portland, Maine, organized by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), in an effort to get the two senators from the state — Republicans Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins — to vote to break a filibuster and repeal the DADT policy in Tuesday's procedural vote in Washington, D.C.
Those gathered at the rally will also hear testimonial from Danny Hernandez, a former Marine who was discharged from the military for "don't ask, don't tell" violations. "I was in the Marine Corps and was under investigation for violating 'don't ask, don't tell,' and I ended up working with SLDN in Washington," Hernandez explained to MTV News in a Skype interview from Portland. "They represented me, and it was through them I began working for them and getting involved with Lady Gaga."
Hernandez first got the opportunity to meet the singer a few weeks ago after a concert in Washington. "I was a little skeptical at first," Hernandez said of Gaga's involvement with the cause. "I love her music but wouldn't consider myself a Little Monster. I got the chance to meet her in D.C., and she genuinely cared about the issue. It was then I realized that she's serious about this issue and getting the word out."
Though Hernandez was a victim of a "don't ask, don't tell" discharge — one among 14,000 similar cases — he hasn't let that get in the way of his dream of service. "I've been wanting to serve in the military for as long as I can remember," he said. "My brother, my cousins — everybody is in the Marine Corps. It's a family thing. To have been discharged was one of the worst things to ever happen to me, but that's why I'm a part of this cause. And it's meaningful to the people around me as well as the people still serving in silence. But I'd like to get back into the military as soon as possible."
The procedural vote — which would merely clear the bill (which has already been approved by the House of Representatives) for discussion on the Senate floor — is scheduled to occur on Tuesday afternoon.
What do you think of Lady Gaga's involvement with trying to repeal "don't ask, don't tell"? Let us know in the comments.
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Lady Gaga with her military friends on the VMA red carpet
Photo: Getty Images
Since she first broke into the mainstream two years ago, Lady Gaga has used her fame to bring gay rights issues to the forefront. In the past few weeks, she has focused squarely on the repeal of the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, including bringing several casualties of the law to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles and recording a video that encourages her fans to contact their senators to oppose the policy. On Monday (September 20), Gaga will host a rally in Portland, Maine, organized by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), in an effort to get the two senators from the state — Republicans Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins — to vote to break a filibuster and repeal the DADT policy in Tuesday's procedural vote in Washington, D.C.
Those gathered at the rally will also hear testimonial from Danny Hernandez, a former Marine who was discharged from the military for "don't ask, don't tell" violations. "I was in the Marine Corps and was under investigation for violating 'don't ask, don't tell,' and I ended up working with SLDN in Washington," Hernandez explained to MTV News in a Skype interview from Portland. "They represented me, and it was through them I began working for them and getting involved with Lady Gaga."
Hernandez first got the opportunity to meet the singer a few weeks ago after a concert in Washington. "I was a little skeptical at first," Hernandez said of Gaga's involvement with the cause. "I love her music but wouldn't consider myself a Little Monster. I got the chance to meet her in D.C., and she genuinely cared about the issue. It was then I realized that she's serious about this issue and getting the word out."
Though Hernandez was a victim of a "don't ask, don't tell" discharge — one among 14,000 similar cases — he hasn't let that get in the way of his dream of service. "I've been wanting to serve in the military for as long as I can remember," he said. "My brother, my cousins — everybody is in the Marine Corps. It's a family thing. To have been discharged was one of the worst things to ever happen to me, but that's why I'm a part of this cause. And it's meaningful to the people around me as well as the people still serving in silence. But I'd like to get back into the military as soon as possible."
The procedural vote — which would merely clear the bill (which has already been approved by the House of Representatives) for discussion on the Senate floor — is scheduled to occur on Tuesday afternoon.
What do you think of Lady Gaga's involvement with trying to repeal "don't ask, don't tell"? Let us know in the comments.
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Gone ?Fish?in?
Originally the plan for yesterday afternoon was to get a bunch of folks together for a fun game of Laser Tag in early celebration of David’s birthday (which is tomorrow) … unfortch, David wasn’t feeling too well and we decided to push off the Laser Tag until next Saturday. Fortunately, tho, David was feeling up [...]
Keri Russell: "Running Wilde" in NYC
Treating herself to one of the latest trends, Keri Russell was spotted purchasing an iPad in New York City on Monday afternoon (September 20).
The ?August Rush? hottie looked cute in jeans, a white top and cardigan as she made her way out of the Apple store with her exciting new purchase in hand.
The sighting comes just as the 34-year-old actress is returning to television tomorrow night (September 21) on a new show called ?Running Wilde.?
On the FOX program, Keri will be playing a ?know-it-all control freak? woman opposite funnyman Will Arnett.
The ?August Rush? hottie looked cute in jeans, a white top and cardigan as she made her way out of the Apple store with her exciting new purchase in hand.
The sighting comes just as the 34-year-old actress is returning to television tomorrow night (September 21) on a new show called ?Running Wilde.?
On the FOX program, Keri will be playing a ?know-it-all control freak? woman opposite funnyman Will Arnett.
Photos | MTV News' 2009 Women Of The Year
MTV News' 2009 Women Of The Year
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Paris Hilton Appears In Court, Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Possession
Yesterday we learned that Paris Hilton‘s lawyers managed to secure a plea bargain deal with the Las Vegas District Attorney’s Office so that the felony cocaine possession charges brought against her could be lessened to misdemeanor counts and so that she could be kept out of jail. Just moments ago, Hilton appeared before a judge [...]
Family Photo: The Vazquez-Anthony?s FAO Fun
Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, 3�, gives his best smile while posing with parents La La Vazquez and Carmelo Anthony Tuesday at FAO Schwarz in New York City.
Judge Issues Warrant for Lindsay Lohan's Arrest
OMG! The drama never ends! Less than one month after she was released from her stints in jail and rehab, Lindsay Lohan may be heading back to the slammer. The 24-year-old Mean Girls actress failed not one, but TWO, court-ordered drug tests last week, leading Judge Elden Fox to issue a bench warrant for her arrest today, reports TMZ.
"Although the bench warrant was issued, it’s being held — i.e., on hold — until Friday at 8:30 AM, when Lindsay is ordered to appear in court," the story says.
According to reports, the drug tests found coke and amphetamines in Lindsay’s system, which was a direct violation of her parole. Can you believe Lindsay screwed up this badly AGAIN?
Do you think Lindsay Lohan should go back to jail? Chime in below!
"Although the bench warrant was issued, it’s being held — i.e., on hold — until Friday at 8:30 AM, when Lindsay is ordered to appear in court," the story says.
According to reports, the drug tests found coke and amphetamines in Lindsay’s system, which was a direct violation of her parole. Can you believe Lindsay screwed up this badly AGAIN?
Do you think Lindsay Lohan should go back to jail? Chime in below!
Raising Sextuplets Dad Bryan Masche Arrested
People has reported that Bryan Masche, the 32-year-old father on the WE TV reality series Raising Sextuplets was arrested in Arizona and was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and threatening domestic violence.
A spokesman for Arizona's Camp Verde Marshal's Office confirmed that Masche, who was visiting relatives in the area, was taken into custody at the Yavapi County Detention Center and released on $3,500 bond. They also confirmed, but did not further elaborate on reports that the reality star lost his temper at his family, using profanity and threats, prompting someone to call 911.
According to the newspaper the Camp Verde Bugle, Masche allegedly threatened his family and when authorities arrived at the scene, he did not comply. There are no reports that say whether or not his wife and the Raising Sextuplets mom Jenny Masche was present.
In 2009 the couple (who were sometimes referred to as the anti-Gosselins for their squeaky-clean image) told People, they "have totally brutal fights" and that their marriage is "a work in progress." Mrs. Masche went on to say, "We believe that the stronger the couple is, the stronger the marriage is and the better it is for the children."
Do you think this incident is cause for taking Raising Sextuplets off the air? Should it be? Chime in below!
A spokesman for Arizona's Camp Verde Marshal's Office confirmed that Masche, who was visiting relatives in the area, was taken into custody at the Yavapi County Detention Center and released on $3,500 bond. They also confirmed, but did not further elaborate on reports that the reality star lost his temper at his family, using profanity and threats, prompting someone to call 911.
According to the newspaper the Camp Verde Bugle, Masche allegedly threatened his family and when authorities arrived at the scene, he did not comply. There are no reports that say whether or not his wife and the Raising Sextuplets mom Jenny Masche was present.
In 2009 the couple (who were sometimes referred to as the anti-Gosselins for their squeaky-clean image) told People, they "have totally brutal fights" and that their marriage is "a work in progress." Mrs. Masche went on to say, "We believe that the stronger the couple is, the stronger the marriage is and the better it is for the children."
Do you think this incident is cause for taking Raising Sextuplets off the air? Should it be? Chime in below!
U2, AC/DC, Beyonce Top Forbes 2010 Music Earners List
Lady Gaga debuts on the list at #7, after earning more than Madonna in the past year.By Gil Kaufman
U2's Bono
Photo: Harry Herd/ Getty Images
It just stands to reason that if you put on the biggest rock tour in history, you're going to make some serious coin. That might explain why more than three decades into their career, U2 easily took the top spot on Forbes magazine's list of the world's top-earning musicians, which also included newcomer Lady Gaga, as well as some of the usual suspects like Madonna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen.
Like most of the artists on the list, the veteran Irish rockers did it with touring cash, in their case the coin from their gigantic 360 Tour, which netted them $130 million over the past 12 months by selling more than 1.3 million tickets for an average price of $94 apiece in North America. The tour grossed $311 million, and each stop had gross ticket receipts of $10 million, but the band's bottom line was also boosted by healthy merchandise sales, as well as strong radio play for their deep back catalog, which continues to sell well. The outing was temporarily derailed this year due to Bono's back injury, but U2 plan to return to North American shores next summer for a victory lap.
The Forbes tally, which counted earnings between June 2009 and June 2010, had another veteran band at #2: power rockers AC/DC, who stormed back last year with a tour that grossed $2.3 million a night and helped them earn $114 million on worldwide grosses of $226 million.
Making a stand for the ladies, Beyoncé netted $87 million to become the highest-earning female on the list at #3. A healthy dose of her take was courtesy of major endorsement deals with Nintendo and L'Oréal, sales from her House of Dereon fashion line, and the $86 million in gross receipts from her 93-date world tour.
New Jersey rock icon Springsteen also made most of his money on the road, raking in $70 million by selling more than 2 million tickets on his world tour, which grossed $167 million. Heavy radio play and the sales of lots of catalog albums also helped him lock down the #4 slot on the list.
It was another solid year for Britney Spears, who earned the #5 position with the fifth-highest grossing tour of the year, which brought in gross receipts of $130 million. She also rang up big cash for endorsement deals with Elizabeth Arden and Candies, which added to her $64 million in earnings. Jay-Z gave wifey Beyoncé a run for her money, taking the #6 position with $63 million he brought in from his stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA team, 40/40 nightclub chain, the hit Broadway show "Fela!," Blueprint 3 sales and the album's tour, which grossed more than $1 million a night.
Gaga, 24, crashed the list at #7 thanks to strong CD and download sales, her smash worldwide Monster Ball tour and million-dollar endorsement deals with Virgin Mobile, Polaroid, Viva Glam and Monster Cable, which netted her $62 million. She beat out one of her musical and sartorial touchstones, Madonna, who hit the #8 spot with earnings of $58 million thanks to her Sticky and Sweet Tour, the fourth highest-grossing outing of 2009, which raked in $6 million a night for a $138 million gross. The pop legend also made cash from an all-Madonna episode of "Glee" and earned a lump of cash from her lucrative publishing royalties.
Country star Kenny Chesney landed at #9 with $50 million in earnings from a $71 million grossing tour and prominent sponsorships with Corona and MasterCard.
The final spot was a three-way tie between the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith, all of whom brought in $48 million. The unstoppable Peas did it with a worldwide tour that brought in $800,000 a night, as well as a raft of endorsement deals with Target, Honda, Bacardi and Apple computers. Coldplay's tour dates for 2008's Viva la Vida grossed more than $105 million as well as millions in merchandise sales. Keith made $30 million in gross concert receipts and earned the rest from a growing chain of restaurants, stakes in several publishing companies and millions a year from publishing royalties.
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'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010
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Lady Gaga
Beyoncé
AC/DC
Madonna
U2's Bono
Photo: Harry Herd/ Getty Images
It just stands to reason that if you put on the biggest rock tour in history, you're going to make some serious coin. That might explain why more than three decades into their career, U2 easily took the top spot on Forbes magazine's list of the world's top-earning musicians, which also included newcomer Lady Gaga, as well as some of the usual suspects like Madonna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen.
Like most of the artists on the list, the veteran Irish rockers did it with touring cash, in their case the coin from their gigantic 360 Tour, which netted them $130 million over the past 12 months by selling more than 1.3 million tickets for an average price of $94 apiece in North America. The tour grossed $311 million, and each stop had gross ticket receipts of $10 million, but the band's bottom line was also boosted by healthy merchandise sales, as well as strong radio play for their deep back catalog, which continues to sell well. The outing was temporarily derailed this year due to Bono's back injury, but U2 plan to return to North American shores next summer for a victory lap.
The Forbes tally, which counted earnings between June 2009 and June 2010, had another veteran band at #2: power rockers AC/DC, who stormed back last year with a tour that grossed $2.3 million a night and helped them earn $114 million on worldwide grosses of $226 million.
Making a stand for the ladies, Beyoncé netted $87 million to become the highest-earning female on the list at #3. A healthy dose of her take was courtesy of major endorsement deals with Nintendo and L'Oréal, sales from her House of Dereon fashion line, and the $86 million in gross receipts from her 93-date world tour.
New Jersey rock icon Springsteen also made most of his money on the road, raking in $70 million by selling more than 2 million tickets on his world tour, which grossed $167 million. Heavy radio play and the sales of lots of catalog albums also helped him lock down the #4 slot on the list.
It was another solid year for Britney Spears, who earned the #5 position with the fifth-highest grossing tour of the year, which brought in gross receipts of $130 million. She also rang up big cash for endorsement deals with Elizabeth Arden and Candies, which added to her $64 million in earnings. Jay-Z gave wifey Beyoncé a run for her money, taking the #6 position with $63 million he brought in from his stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA team, 40/40 nightclub chain, the hit Broadway show "Fela!," Blueprint 3 sales and the album's tour, which grossed more than $1 million a night.
Gaga, 24, crashed the list at #7 thanks to strong CD and download sales, her smash worldwide Monster Ball tour and million-dollar endorsement deals with Virgin Mobile, Polaroid, Viva Glam and Monster Cable, which netted her $62 million. She beat out one of her musical and sartorial touchstones, Madonna, who hit the #8 spot with earnings of $58 million thanks to her Sticky and Sweet Tour, the fourth highest-grossing outing of 2009, which raked in $6 million a night for a $138 million gross. The pop legend also made cash from an all-Madonna episode of "Glee" and earned a lump of cash from her lucrative publishing royalties.
Country star Kenny Chesney landed at #9 with $50 million in earnings from a $71 million grossing tour and prominent sponsorships with Corona and MasterCard.
The final spot was a three-way tie between the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith, all of whom brought in $48 million. The unstoppable Peas did it with a worldwide tour that brought in $800,000 a night, as well as a raft of endorsement deals with Target, Honda, Bacardi and Apple computers. Coldplay's tour dates for 2008's Viva la Vida grossed more than $105 million as well as millions in merchandise sales. Keith made $30 million in gross concert receipts and earned the rest from a growing chain of restaurants, stakes in several publishing companies and millions a year from publishing royalties.
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'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010
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"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" NYC Premiere
Hitting the red carpet for the premiere of their upcoming movie, the stars of "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" were gathered together in New York City on Monday night (September 20).
With Shia LaBeouf, Michael Douglas, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Susan Sarandon and Frank Langella all at the Ziegfeld Theatre venue, the co-stars lined up arm-in-arm for photos before breaking apart to chat with press members.
Also on-hand for the NYC evening was actress Catherine Zeta Jones, who shared a warm kiss with husband Michael Douglas as he tended to promotions despite being in the midst of chemo treatments for throat cancer.
With their movie hitting theaters this Friday (September 24), Shia, Carey and Josh all were out earlier in the morning to kick off the NASDAQ stock exchange's week by ringing the opening bell.
With Shia LaBeouf, Michael Douglas, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Susan Sarandon and Frank Langella all at the Ziegfeld Theatre venue, the co-stars lined up arm-in-arm for photos before breaking apart to chat with press members.
Also on-hand for the NYC evening was actress Catherine Zeta Jones, who shared a warm kiss with husband Michael Douglas as he tended to promotions despite being in the midst of chemo treatments for throat cancer.
With their movie hitting theaters this Friday (September 24), Shia, Carey and Josh all were out earlier in the morning to kick off the NASDAQ stock exchange's week by ringing the opening bell.
Britney Spears' Ex-Bodyguard Defends Lawsuit
Fernando Flores tells TMZ he's 'standing up for what I believe is right.'By Kelley L. Carter
Britney Spears
Photo: David Aguilera/ BuzzFoto/ FilmMagic
A former bodyguard for pop superstar Britney Spears defended his sexual-harassment lawsuit Thursday (September 9), saying he's "standing up for what I believe is right."
Fernando Flores, the bodyguard who alleged earlier this week that the pop singer repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances toward him and exposed her naked or near-naked body to him, gave a quick interview to TMZ outside his lawyer's Orange County office.
Spears, however, denied the allegations, posting a statement on her website saying that she and her attorneys believed the suit would be dismissed. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read.
To Spears' statement, Flores told the gossip website "if that's what they think, then that's what they think."
A dollar amount isn't cited in the suit -- which is posted on TMZ -- but Flores is seeking damages based on the sexual-harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Flores also alleged in the suit that Spears abused her children. In the suit, he said the 28-year-old had sex and engaged in violent arguments in front of her two young sons.
Sources told TMZ that Flores' accusations of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt) were declared without merit by the Department of Children and Family Services.
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Britney Spears
Photo: David Aguilera/ BuzzFoto/ FilmMagic
A former bodyguard for pop superstar Britney Spears defended his sexual-harassment lawsuit Thursday (September 9), saying he's "standing up for what I believe is right."
Fernando Flores, the bodyguard who alleged earlier this week that the pop singer repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances toward him and exposed her naked or near-naked body to him, gave a quick interview to TMZ outside his lawyer's Orange County office.
Spears, however, denied the allegations, posting a statement on her website saying that she and her attorneys believed the suit would be dismissed. "This lawsuit is another unfortunate situation where someone is trying to take advantage of the Spears family and make a name for himself," the statement read.
To Spears' statement, Flores told the gossip website "if that's what they think, then that's what they think."
A dollar amount isn't cited in the suit -- which is posted on TMZ -- but Flores is seeking damages based on the sexual-harassment incidents and for "intentional infliction of emotional distress." Flores also alleged in the suit that Spears abused her children. In the suit, he said the 28-year-old had sex and engaged in violent arguments in front of her two young sons.
Sources told TMZ that Flores' accusations of child abuse (including an incident where he says Spears allegedly whipped one of her sons with a belt) were declared without merit by the Department of Children and Family Services.
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Broadway
Like most New Yorkers, I don't go to the theater very often. This isn't meant to be a joke—it's true and it's actually pretty pathetic. I have Broadway at my finger tips and usually go only when I have friends come in from out of town.
With that said, Mark is visiting from LA and we've gone to three Broadway shows in the past week. They were so amazing that I've made a promise to myself to go more often. There's really nothing as exhilarating as live theater. It's so energetic and passionate (when done right.)
In the past few days we saw La Cage aux Folles (with Kelsey Grammer), American Idiot (the Green Day rock opera), and Next to Normal (a Pulitzer Prize winning musical.) I highly recommend all of them.
Of the three, I think my favorite was La Cage with American Idiot and Next to Normal tied for second (they're too different to compare or say one was better than the other.)
So anyway, I highly recommend you go to the theater on your next trip to New York (or simply go more often if you live here.) I'm going to try to go once a month. The next show I want to see is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
Has anyone seen any good shows lately? I prefer musicals over plays.
With that said, Mark is visiting from LA and we've gone to three Broadway shows in the past week. They were so amazing that I've made a promise to myself to go more often. There's really nothing as exhilarating as live theater. It's so energetic and passionate (when done right.)
In the past few days we saw La Cage aux Folles (with Kelsey Grammer), American Idiot (the Green Day rock opera), and Next to Normal (a Pulitzer Prize winning musical.) I highly recommend all of them.
Of the three, I think my favorite was La Cage with American Idiot and Next to Normal tied for second (they're too different to compare or say one was better than the other.)
So anyway, I highly recommend you go to the theater on your next trip to New York (or simply go more often if you live here.) I'm going to try to go once a month. The next show I want to see is Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
Has anyone seen any good shows lately? I prefer musicals over plays.
Photos | 2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
2010 BET Awards Show Highlights
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Which Jersey Shore Star Is Crushing On Selenita?!
Vinnie!!!!!
Watch the clip (above) to see the Guido's confession of love for Selena Gomez and heartbreak at the :43 second mark.
We'd be surprised if a Disney star got within talking distance of him!
Watch the clip (above) to see the Guido's confession of love for Selena Gomez and heartbreak at the :43 second mark.
We'd be surprised if a Disney star got within talking distance of him!
Lindsay Lohan And E-Trade Settle 'Milkaholic' Lawsuit
'The family is pleased that the case has been settled,' Dina Lohan tells TMZ.By James Dinh
Lindsay Lohan
Photo: Mark Ralston/ Getty Images
Lindsay Lohan seems to be having her share of trouble with the law lately, but there's one battle she has won. According to TMZ, the actress settled a $100 million lawsuit against E-Trade, which ran a Super Bowl TV spot that Lohan felt mocked her tabloid reputation.
Lohan's attorney Stephanie Ovadia revealed that the lawsuit had come to a close in a statement to TMZ: "The case between Lindsay and E-Trade has been settled ... there is no further comment."
While no other details regarding the settlement have been revealed, Team Lohan is reportedly pleased with the suit's outcome, even suggesting that the actress received an undisclosed amount of money from the suit. Dina Lohan shared her two cents on the lawsuit, telling TMZ, "The family is pleased that the case has been settled."
Representatives for E-Trade admitted to TMZ that they were interested in putting the case behind them, saying, "E*TRADE has always maintained that the claims were without merit, which is why we moved to dismiss the case. With the case now withdrawn, we are pleased to have the matter behind us."
Earlier this year, Lohan's lawyer filed the $100 million suit in New York claiming that the actress' name was used without her permission in an advertisement. In the spot, a female baby character named Lindsay is deemed a "milkaholic" while in the midst of a baby love triangle. "That milkaholic Lindsay wasn't over?" the baby girl says, questioning why the baby boy didn't call her.
"Many celebrities are known by one name only, and E-Trade is using that knowledge to profit," Ovadia told the New York Post back in March. "They used the name Lindsay. ... They're using her name as a parody of her life. Why didn't they use the name Susan? This is a subliminal message. Everybody's talking about it and saying it's Lindsay Lohan."
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Lindsay Lohan
Photo: Mark Ralston/ Getty Images
Lindsay Lohan seems to be having her share of trouble with the law lately, but there's one battle she has won. According to TMZ, the actress settled a $100 million lawsuit against E-Trade, which ran a Super Bowl TV spot that Lohan felt mocked her tabloid reputation.
Lohan's attorney Stephanie Ovadia revealed that the lawsuit had come to a close in a statement to TMZ: "The case between Lindsay and E-Trade has been settled ... there is no further comment."
While no other details regarding the settlement have been revealed, Team Lohan is reportedly pleased with the suit's outcome, even suggesting that the actress received an undisclosed amount of money from the suit. Dina Lohan shared her two cents on the lawsuit, telling TMZ, "The family is pleased that the case has been settled."
Representatives for E-Trade admitted to TMZ that they were interested in putting the case behind them, saying, "E*TRADE has always maintained that the claims were without merit, which is why we moved to dismiss the case. With the case now withdrawn, we are pleased to have the matter behind us."
Earlier this year, Lohan's lawyer filed the $100 million suit in New York claiming that the actress' name was used without her permission in an advertisement. In the spot, a female baby character named Lindsay is deemed a "milkaholic" while in the midst of a baby love triangle. "That milkaholic Lindsay wasn't over?" the baby girl says, questioning why the baby boy didn't call her.
"Many celebrities are known by one name only, and E-Trade is using that knowledge to profit," Ovadia told the New York Post back in March. "They used the name Lindsay. ... They're using her name as a parody of her life. Why didn't they use the name Susan? This is a subliminal message. Everybody's talking about it and saying it's Lindsay Lohan."
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Led Zeppelin - Rock and Roll
Rock and Roll
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Label: Swan Song
Album: The Song Remains the Same
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Label: Swan Song
Album: The Song Remains the Same
Usher's VMA Performance Proves He's Still King: Making The Show
Singer held back at rehearsals, harnessing his energy for Sunday's show.By Jayson Rodriguez
Usher performs at the 2010 VMAs
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
The King is back!
Usher thrilled the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night with his stunning combination performance of "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love."
The singer moved and grooved, proving that he's the R&B star that everyone pays attention to for the big moments.
Usher performs at the 2010 VMAs
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images
The King is back!
Usher thrilled the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night with his stunning combination performance of "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love."
The singer moved and grooved, proving that he's the R&B star that everyone pays attention to for the big moments.
Lady Gaga Posts Anti-'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Video
'I am here to be a voice for my generation,' Gaga says before attempting to call her senators.By James Montgomery
Lady Gaga
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
In the days since Lady Gaga appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards with four members of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network — an organization opposed to the U.S. Armed Forces' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy — she has been on a mission: to speak out against what she sees as a "wrong ... sick and ... immoral" injustice, and to urge the U.S. Senate to vote on a measure that would repeal it.
She's traded messages with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, castigated Arizona Senator John McCain over his attempted filibuster to block the measure and instructed her more than 6 million Twitter followers to contact their senators in support of the vote, which is scheduled to take place next week. And on Friday morning (September 17) she called her own senator during a seven-and-a-half minute video posted on her website.
In the clip, Gaga addresses several senators by name — including Republicans McCain, Kentucky's Mitch McConnell and Oklahoma's James Inhofe — and asks them to vote in favor of the Defense Authorization Bill, which includes language that would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
" 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' is a law that was created in 1993 that prevents gays from serving openly in the military. Since then 14,000 Americans have been discharged from the armed forces, refused the right to serve their country and sent home, regardless of honorable service or how valuable they were to their units," Gaga says in the message. "[The] SLDN's advocacy proves that these soldiers are being searched; superiors are going through their e-mails and private belongings, calling family members and operating based on assumptions. Ultimately, the law is being enforced using gay profiling. ... In short, not only is the law unconstitutional, but it's not even being properly enforced by the government.
"I am here to be a voice for my generation, not the generation of the senators who are voting, but for the youth of this country, the generation that is affected by this law and whose children will be affected," she continued. "We are not asking you to agree with or approve the moral implications of homosexuality; we're asking you to do your job, to protect the constitution."
Gaga then provides her fans with information on how they can contact their senators about the Defense Authorization Bill and calls the offices of her senators, New York Democrats Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Unfortunately, no one picks up in Schumer's office and Gillibrand's voicemail is full, but Gaga will not be discouraged. And she hopes her fans won't be, either.
"I have called both of the senators that operate in my district," she says at the end of the video. "I will not stop calling until I reach them and I can leave them this message: 'I am a constituent of the senator, my name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga. I'm calling to ask the senator to vote with Senators Reid and Levin to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and oppose John McCain's shameless filibuster. We need to do this for our gay and lesbian soldiers, and finally repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' "
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Lady Gaga
Photo: Ian Gavan/ Getty Images
In the days since Lady Gaga appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards with four members of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network — an organization opposed to the U.S. Armed Forces' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy — she has been on a mission: to speak out against what she sees as a "wrong ... sick and ... immoral" injustice, and to urge the U.S. Senate to vote on a measure that would repeal it.
She's traded messages with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, castigated Arizona Senator John McCain over his attempted filibuster to block the measure and instructed her more than 6 million Twitter followers to contact their senators in support of the vote, which is scheduled to take place next week. And on Friday morning (September 17) she called her own senator during a seven-and-a-half minute video posted on her website.
In the clip, Gaga addresses several senators by name — including Republicans McCain, Kentucky's Mitch McConnell and Oklahoma's James Inhofe — and asks them to vote in favor of the Defense Authorization Bill, which includes language that would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
" 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' is a law that was created in 1993 that prevents gays from serving openly in the military. Since then 14,000 Americans have been discharged from the armed forces, refused the right to serve their country and sent home, regardless of honorable service or how valuable they were to their units," Gaga says in the message. "[The] SLDN's advocacy proves that these soldiers are being searched; superiors are going through their e-mails and private belongings, calling family members and operating based on assumptions. Ultimately, the law is being enforced using gay profiling. ... In short, not only is the law unconstitutional, but it's not even being properly enforced by the government.
"I am here to be a voice for my generation, not the generation of the senators who are voting, but for the youth of this country, the generation that is affected by this law and whose children will be affected," she continued. "We are not asking you to agree with or approve the moral implications of homosexuality; we're asking you to do your job, to protect the constitution."
Gaga then provides her fans with information on how they can contact their senators about the Defense Authorization Bill and calls the offices of her senators, New York Democrats Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Unfortunately, no one picks up in Schumer's office and Gillibrand's voicemail is full, but Gaga will not be discouraged. And she hopes her fans won't be, either.
"I have called both of the senators that operate in my district," she says at the end of the video. "I will not stop calling until I reach them and I can leave them this message: 'I am a constituent of the senator, my name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga. I'm calling to ask the senator to vote with Senators Reid and Levin to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and oppose John McCain's shameless filibuster. We need to do this for our gay and lesbian soldiers, and finally repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' "
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U2, AC/DC, Beyonce Top Forbes 2010 Music Earners List
Lady Gaga debuts on the list at #7, after earning more than Madonna in the past year.By Gil Kaufman
U2's Bono
Photo: Harry Herd/ Getty Images
It just stands to reason that if you put on the biggest rock tour in history, you're going to make some serious coin. That might explain why more than three decades into their career, U2 easily took the top spot on Forbes magazine's list of the world's top-earning musicians, which also included newcomer Lady Gaga, as well as some of the usual suspects like Madonna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen.
Like most of the artists on the list, the veteran Irish rockers did it with touring cash, in their case the coin from their gigantic 360 Tour, which netted them $130 million over the past 12 months by selling more than 1.3 million tickets for an average price of $94 apiece in North America. The tour grossed $311 million, and each stop had gross ticket receipts of $10 million, but the band's bottom line was also boosted by healthy merchandise sales, as well as strong radio play for their deep back catalog, which continues to sell well. The outing was temporarily derailed this year due to Bono's back injury, but U2 plan to return to North American shores next summer for a victory lap.
The Forbes tally, which counted earnings between June 2009 and June 2010, had another veteran band at #2: power rockers AC/DC, who stormed back last year with a tour that grossed $2.3 million a night and helped them earn $114 million on worldwide grosses of $226 million.
Making a stand for the ladies, Beyoncé netted $87 million to become the highest-earning female on the list at #3. A healthy dose of her take was courtesy of major endorsement deals with Nintendo and L'Oréal, sales from her House of Dereon fashion line, and the $86 million in gross receipts from her 93-date world tour.
New Jersey rock icon Springsteen also made most of his money on the road, raking in $70 million by selling more than 2 million tickets on his world tour, which grossed $167 million. Heavy radio play and the sales of lots of catalog albums also helped him lock down the #4 slot on the list.
It was another solid year for Britney Spears, who earned the #5 position with the fifth-highest grossing tour of the year, which brought in gross receipts of $130 million. She also rang up big cash for endorsement deals with Elizabeth Arden and Candies, which added to her $64 million in earnings. Jay-Z gave wifey Beyoncé a run for her money, taking the #6 position with $63 million he brought in from his stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA team, 40/40 nightclub chain, the hit Broadway show "Fela!," Blueprint 3 sales and the album's tour, which grossed more than $1 million a night.
Gaga, 24, crashed the list at #7 thanks to strong CD and download sales, her smash worldwide Monster Ball tour and million-dollar endorsement deals with Virgin Mobile, Polaroid, Viva Glam and Monster Cable, which netted her $62 million. She beat out one of her musical and sartorial touchstones, Madonna, who hit the #8 spot with earnings of $58 million thanks to her Sticky and Sweet Tour, the fourth highest-grossing outing of 2009, which raked in $6 million a night for a $138 million gross. The pop legend also made cash from an all-Madonna episode of "Glee" and earned a lump of cash from her lucrative publishing royalties.
Country star Kenny Chesney landed at #9 with $50 million in earnings from a $71 million grossing tour and prominent sponsorships with Corona and MasterCard.
The final spot was a three-way tie between the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith, all of whom brought in $48 million. The unstoppable Peas did it with a worldwide tour that brought in $800,000 a night, as well as a raft of endorsement deals with Target, Honda, Bacardi and Apple computers. Coldplay's tour dates for 2008's Viva la Vida grossed more than $105 million as well as millions in merchandise sales. Keith made $30 million in gross concert receipts and earned the rest from a growing chain of restaurants, stakes in several publishing companies and millions a year from publishing royalties.
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'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010
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U2
Lady Gaga
Beyoncé
AC/DC
Madonna
U2's Bono
Photo: Harry Herd/ Getty Images
It just stands to reason that if you put on the biggest rock tour in history, you're going to make some serious coin. That might explain why more than three decades into their career, U2 easily took the top spot on Forbes magazine's list of the world's top-earning musicians, which also included newcomer Lady Gaga, as well as some of the usual suspects like Madonna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen.
Like most of the artists on the list, the veteran Irish rockers did it with touring cash, in their case the coin from their gigantic 360 Tour, which netted them $130 million over the past 12 months by selling more than 1.3 million tickets for an average price of $94 apiece in North America. The tour grossed $311 million, and each stop had gross ticket receipts of $10 million, but the band's bottom line was also boosted by healthy merchandise sales, as well as strong radio play for their deep back catalog, which continues to sell well. The outing was temporarily derailed this year due to Bono's back injury, but U2 plan to return to North American shores next summer for a victory lap.
The Forbes tally, which counted earnings between June 2009 and June 2010, had another veteran band at #2: power rockers AC/DC, who stormed back last year with a tour that grossed $2.3 million a night and helped them earn $114 million on worldwide grosses of $226 million.
Making a stand for the ladies, Beyoncé netted $87 million to become the highest-earning female on the list at #3. A healthy dose of her take was courtesy of major endorsement deals with Nintendo and L'Oréal, sales from her House of Dereon fashion line, and the $86 million in gross receipts from her 93-date world tour.
New Jersey rock icon Springsteen also made most of his money on the road, raking in $70 million by selling more than 2 million tickets on his world tour, which grossed $167 million. Heavy radio play and the sales of lots of catalog albums also helped him lock down the #4 slot on the list.
It was another solid year for Britney Spears, who earned the #5 position with the fifth-highest grossing tour of the year, which brought in gross receipts of $130 million. She also rang up big cash for endorsement deals with Elizabeth Arden and Candies, which added to her $64 million in earnings. Jay-Z gave wifey Beyoncé a run for her money, taking the #6 position with $63 million he brought in from his stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA team, 40/40 nightclub chain, the hit Broadway show "Fela!," Blueprint 3 sales and the album's tour, which grossed more than $1 million a night.
Gaga, 24, crashed the list at #7 thanks to strong CD and download sales, her smash worldwide Monster Ball tour and million-dollar endorsement deals with Virgin Mobile, Polaroid, Viva Glam and Monster Cable, which netted her $62 million. She beat out one of her musical and sartorial touchstones, Madonna, who hit the #8 spot with earnings of $58 million thanks to her Sticky and Sweet Tour, the fourth highest-grossing outing of 2009, which raked in $6 million a night for a $138 million gross. The pop legend also made cash from an all-Madonna episode of "Glee" and earned a lump of cash from her lucrative publishing royalties.
Country star Kenny Chesney landed at #9 with $50 million in earnings from a $71 million grossing tour and prominent sponsorships with Corona and MasterCard.
The final spot was a three-way tie between the Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay and Toby Keith, all of whom brought in $48 million. The unstoppable Peas did it with a worldwide tour that brought in $800,000 a night, as well as a raft of endorsement deals with Target, Honda, Bacardi and Apple computers. Coldplay's tour dates for 2008's Viva la Vida grossed more than $105 million as well as millions in merchandise sales. Keith made $30 million in gross concert receipts and earned the rest from a growing chain of restaurants, stakes in several publishing companies and millions a year from publishing royalties.
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'Forbes' Magazine's Top-Earning Musicians Of 2010
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U2
Lady Gaga
Beyoncé
AC/DC
Madonna
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