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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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604582/plantkrauss-win-album-year-grammy.jhtml

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Usher, Ke$ha And More Help Dance Music Go Pop In 2010

But is it here to stay? Our music-industry experts weigh in.
By Akshay Bhansali

Ke$ha
Photo: Andreas Rentz/ Getty Images

In 2010, pop princesses, R&B icons and chart-dominating newcomers all danced to the same beat. Not only did dance music go pop, but pop music caught the club-music bug.

Between Katy Perry's "Firework," Ke$ha's "We R Who We R," Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)," Enrique Iglesias' "I Like It," Usher's "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" and "OMG" and countless other singles, established artists definitely looked to dance beats for surefire hits. And two of this year's biggest success stories in music were Jason Derülo and Taio Cruz; could there be a soul left in this country who hasn't heard "Dynamite" or "In My Head"?

The love went both ways, with dance music's biggest stars finding mainstream success this year. Dance-music maestro deadmau5 took up house-artist duties at this year's VMAs, and Swedish House Mafia and Usher teamed up for a medley of their gems at the American Music Awards.

So how did this happen? We caught up with some music-industry experts to get their takes.

"You definitely saw tempos go up this year," Jon Caramanica of The New York Times told MTV News. "And I think what you had are a lot of producers who are really familiar with nightclub stuff. They are familiar with Europe. Things are happening on a more global scale now."

"I think everything from Europe, and sometimes even Asia, it comes to America, and we just adopt things a little bit slower," said Jared Eng of JustJared.com. "I think it was just a change. People like different types of music at different times. And dance was of this moment."

Noah Callahan of Complex magazine added: "I think 2010 saw the merging of the pop and dance genres. Pop artists realized that there were best practices that could be borrowed from dance music. And, ultimately, [all] pop music that has been made in the past 20 years had ended up being remixed for the club by dance artists. I think they basically just cut out the middleman and went straight there."

Dance music being introduced into the hip-hop and R&B realms was particularly notable this year.

"I think David Guetta kind of at the end of last year and the beginning of this year spearheaded it," said freelance writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd. "He produced a lot of tracks. I think as trends go, people revile 'unst-unst.' But it's just coming back around. Big-room techno was a way for people to get decadent in a year that no one could get decadent."

"You have someone like will.i.am, who's like, 'Well, I spent all this time in Ibiza, and this is what they are doing,' and he wants to find a way to bring that into his music," Caramanica said of the Black Eyed Peas mastermind. "R&B especially became dance music. And especially with your Jason Derülos, Taio Cruzes. Guys like that would have literally been blocked at the border two years ago. That would not have made it through customs. And now all of a sudden they have #1 songs. I think will.i.am had a lot to do with that last year."

Elliott Wilson of RapRadar.com added: "It's actually even affected hip-hop. I was talking to Q-Tip, and his next record, I feel like that's gonna kind of go in that vein. I know that was also Jay-Z's thought process with Blueprint 3 at first, that he wanted to make a little bit more of a world music [vibe], a little more dancey. I think the kids today want to go to the clubs. They wanna have a good time. They wanna dance. So I think the artists of today are trying to kind of feed that audience."

"I think it's caught on this year because the people who've done it have been successful," offered Clover Hope of Vibe magazine. "Like 'OMG,' with usher, he didn't have success until he made a dance record. He had 'There Goes My Baby' and these really, like, adult-contemporary records that didn't really catch on. And then once you see that everybody is doing it and that people are liking it, they are like, 'OK, let me just try this out.' It's like Auto-Tune. Like, 'Let me see what I sound like on a record by David Guetta.' They end up liking it and doing more of it."

So does the club-music trend have staying power. According to our tastemakers, not so much.

"I do think it's a blip," Caramanica said. "I don't think that's gonna be something that lasts in America. I think this is gonna be a moment we'll all look back on and go, 'Wasn't that weird when Jason Derülo and Taio Cruz had #1 records?"

"At some point, these R&B artists will get kind of sick of it and be like, 'Let me go back to my soul background,' " Hope said. "When you actually have to say something, dance doesn't really lend itself to substance. And I think that R&B artists, they really want to talk about love and in a deep way, and to do that, you need to do, like, a soul or a traditional R&B record. I want to say that it's kind of a fad."

"I think music is very cyclical," Eng offered. "So I think dance music might be here for a little bit, but I'm sure it will phase out at some point."

Wilson called dance music "the sound of today. I think that people want more aggressive, faster beats, and I think that that probably has legs until at least next summer."

What do you think? Is dance music here to stay? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1655031/usher-keha-more-help-dance-music-go-pop-2010.jhtml

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Britney Spears Does 'Jackass' Stunt On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

Singer performs two Femme Fatale tracks on the late-night chat show.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears performs on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Photo: ABC

Britney Spears may have been billed as the musical guest on Tuesday night's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," but the pop star also used the appearance as a chance to show off her funny side.

In one bit, Spears was visited by Kimmel in her dressing room. After some casual hellos, Spears asked the talk-show host, "Oh, did you get it?"

Kimmel said, "I did get it."

Spears excitedly responded, "Oh my gosh, let me see. Really? Great! Oh, you got it."

Then came the big reveal: Kimmel pulled up his pants legs to reveal that he had gotten the words "Britney Spears" inked on his calves. Spears, shocked by his dedication to their oath to get matching tattoos, said, "Oh my god!" Then she showed off her own: Written in tiny letters on her wrist were the words "Jimmy Kimmel."

"It's in pen," he said, disappointed by the fact that hers is not permanent.

"It's ink," she responded. "Shhh. You're getting on my nerves," she added as she escorted him out.

Later in the show, Johnny Knoxville revealed that Spears had originally been in "Jackass 3D," and that now the footage was finally being shown. In a pre-taped bit, Spears arrived on the set, telling Knoxville and his crew of merry men, "I'm ready! I'm not scared of poo-poo. Let's do it!"

She looked into the camera, before stepping into the Porta-Potty, saying, "Hi, I'm Britney Spears and this is the poo cocktail supreme."

Then a blonde got swished around in the Porta-Potty, dirty water splashing everywhere. After the stunt, the blonde, whose face you couldn't see, got out and began chasing the guys around.

After she taped her stunt, Spears took to Twitter to send a special message to Knoxville. "Just did my first @jackassworld stunt with Knoxville and company. Knoxville better watch his back," she wrote.

The pop star came out one more time, this time for her musical spot. While much of the performance was similar to recent gigs in Las Vegas and San Francisco, this time Spears, starting with "Till the World Ends," wore a brand-new look. Her sparkly black and green bodysuit was paired with black fingerless gloves as she sashayed her way around the stage, much to the delight of the crowd.

For her second song, "Hold It Against Me," she rocked bright red sparkly fingerless gloves with a super-tight, sexy black bodysuit with sparkles.

Spears dropped her latest album, Femme Fatale, this week, and her MTV special, "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale," airs on MTV this Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m.

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Johnny Depp Is Impressed By Angelina Jolie

Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie seemed to have developed quite the bond from working together so intimately while they were shooting The Tourist. Johnny has nothing but love for his former co-star. He’s amazed by how Angelina juggles everything. Aren’t … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/03/03/johnny-depp-is-impressed-by-angelina-jolie/

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Michael Jackson's 'Thriller': Story Behind The 'Glee' Cover

MJ classic is mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Heads Will Roll' for post-Super Bowl episode.
By Aly Semigran

"Glee"
Photo: FOX

Madonna, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and now, finally, Michael Jackson. The cast of "Glee" has covered plenty of icons during their first two seasons, but it's taken 33 episodes to get around to the King of Pop.

With a huge catalog of Jackson songs, the singing, dancing students of McKinley High paid homage to the late singer with one of his biggest staples (and, arguably, the greatest music video of all time) with their take on "Thriller."

The groundbreaking single from Jackson's best-selling album of the same name was mashed up with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll" for the post-Super Bowl episode (titled "The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle"), featuring a zombie-fied "Glee" cast.

Bound to become a smash all over again (though with its nonstop rotation at Halloween parties and wedding receptions until the end of time, it's never truly gone away), here's a brief history of the dance/pop classic.

Released on January 23, 1984, "Thriller" was the seventh, and final, single to be released from Jackson's smash record. According to the RIAA, the album (released by Epic Records) has gone gold 29 times, narrowly edging out the Eagles' Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.

In 2009, MTV News estimated that the Thriller album was poised to go triple diamond, meaning 30 million records sold in the U.S. alone.

After Thriller's other singles (including "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something") dominated the charts, it was time for the spooky, undeniably original track to take over. The song "Thriller" also appeared on many of Jackson's other albums, including the compilations HIStory and Number Ones.

Clocking in at a little under six minutes (though the radio edit was closer to four-and-a-half), the song features pop-music mainstays like synthesizers but shakes things up with its spooky sound effects, including creaking floors, howling and thunder.

The song was produced by Quincy Jones and written and composed by Rod Tempterton and spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4.

But it's the music video for "Thriller" that truly made it the phenomenon it was in the '80s and continues to be today. Less a music video than a mini-motion picture, the video (over 13 minutes long and directed by John Landis) won three MTV Video Music Awards and has been named the best music video of all time by many outlets, including VH1 for the special "VH1: 100 Greatest Videos."

The chiller features Jackson in that iconic red leather jacket on a date with his girlfriend (played by Ola Ray) before things go terribly awry. After all, as Jackson (whose disclaimer at the start of the video reads, "This film in no way endorses a belief in the occult") sings in the opening line, "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." Cue werewolves, zombies, Vincent Price's soliloquy and one of the most memorable dance sequences ever.

The video was (no pun intended) a monster hit. As the Los Angeles Times notes, "At the height of the song's popularity, MTV would run the 14-minute 'Thriller' video twice an hour."

Choreographed by Jackson and Michael Peters (who, as the LA Times also reported, appears in the video as one of the zombies) and with makeup by Oscar-winner Rick Baker (also an undead "Thriller" extra) was made with a huge budget of an estimated $500,000.

Still, the efforts paid off. Landis (who told the "Today" show back in 2009 that no one wanted to give them the funds to make the risky vid) made the accompanying 45-minute documentary about the venture, called "The Making of Thriller." Featuring the behind-the-scenes wizardry, as well as the music video in full, it would go on to move more than 10 million copies.

Since then, the signature song and video have seen their share fair of tributes in movies (notably in the 2004 comedy"13 Going on 30") and TV ("South Park," "Family Guy," "30 Rock," among others), not to mention the countless flash mobs that have gone viral. (Remember the prisoners in the Philippines who became overnight phenomenons on YouTube?)

Even with the "Glee" number, this likely won't be the last incarnation of "Thriller." Billboard reported in October that a "Thriller" film is in the works. With a plot allegedly revolving around Price's narration, Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's last effort, "This Is It," will reportedly helm the project.

Since Jackson's untimely passing on June 25, 2009, the song and video's legacy continue to live on. In the week following Jackson's death, "Thriller" was the best-selling track in the U.S., with sales of 167,000 copies on the Billboard Hot Digital Singles chart.

Then, in December 2009, "Thriller" was the first music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It seems "no mere mortal can resist ... the thriller" after all.

What did you think of the "Thriller" mash-up on "Glee"? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657395/glee-thriller.jhtml

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Lollapalooza Celebrates Twenty Years With a Virtual Time Capsule

Lollapalooza, the music and arts festival conceived by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.�The festival itself�is still�months away–it runs from August 6-8 in Chicago’s Grant Park–but Babble is reporting that a virtual time capsule has been created on the official website to commemorate two decades of musical celebration. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/beatcrave/~3/glD-LcmmtcQ/

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Britney Spears, Ryan Seacrest To Host Wango Tango Festival

Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez will perform at annual KIIS-FM Los Angeles festival.
By James Dinh

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Photo: Max Morse/Getty Images

It's nearing that time of year when the hottest acts in music come together to take the stage for 102.7 KIIS-FM's Wango Tango in Los Angeles. On Monday (March 28), Ryan Seacrest took to his morning radio show to announce that he and Britney Spears will co-host the annual music fest, which will feature performances from Ke$ha, Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez.

Other acts scheduled for the concert event include Pitbull, Far East Movement, Jason DeRulo, Lupe Fiasco, T-Pain, New Boys and Cobra Starship. YouTube sensation Cody Simpson will round out the star-studded performance roster.

While Spears may just be hitting the stage as special guest co-host, the "Hold It Against Me" singer, coming off of hot weekend shows in Las Vegas and San Francisco, is no stranger to the Wango Tango stage. When her career was just taking off in 1999, the pop star performed at the annual festival and returned a few years later in 2001 to guest-host the festivities.

Tickets for Wango Tango 2011, which takes place May 14 at the Staples Center, go on sale to KISS Club VIPs on Friday, April 1, and to the general public on Saturday, April 2. Fans may also want to keep an eye on the hit radio station's Facebook page, where they revealed they will be giving away meet-and-greet passes for Ke$ha.

Are you excited for this year's Wango Tango lineup? Share your thoughts below.

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Katy Perry Says 'E.T.' Video Doesn't 'Play It Safe'

Clip's on-air debut at 7:53 p.m. ET will be followed by live 'MTV First' interview with Perry on MTV.com.
By MTV News staff

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Photo: MTV News

When Katy Perry's "E.T." video, featuring Kanye West, premieres on MTV and MTV.com on Thursday, fans should expect a decidedly cinematic experience.

"With Teenage Dream, the record in whole, I knew I wanted to give so many different flavors, so many different ideas, and just make a different 'movie' for each song," Perry told MTV News of her latest album, which has already spawned clips for "California Gurls," "Firework" and the title track. "I feel like I've done that."

The "E.T." video will premiere at noon Thursday on MTV.com, VH1.com and LogoTV.com. Then, "MTV First: Katy Perry's 'E.T.' " will bow on air at 7:53 p.m. ET before tossing to an MTV.com live stream, featuring MTV News correspondent Sway's exclusive chat with Perry, an interview with director Floria Sigismondi and reaction from Perry's fans.

Perry has noticed a shift in public opinion about her with the release of each Teenage Dream video, and she's thinking "E.T." will be no exception.

"It's interesting to see a lot of the commentary that goes along with growth," she marveled. "People are like, 'OK, I like her,' finally, or like, 'Damn, I hate to admit it, but we're on the Katy Perry train,' which is really exciting, and i feel like I worked really hard for that.

"I knew starting with 'I Kissed a Girl' that it might have taken a little bit longer to get everybody just onboard the Katy Perry train, I guess," she added. "But now, I'm having so much fun and I get to be so creative and try different things and expand, and I never play it safe — in any way, really."

Don't miss the premiere of Katy Perry's "E.T." video, featuring Kanye West, at 7:53 p.m. ET Thursday on MTV, followed by our live "MTV First" interview with Katy Perry on MTV.com!

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Linkin Park? U2? Ke$ha? Behind MTV's Musical March Madness Selection

With the tipoff of our tournament set for Monday, Bigger Than the Sound breaks down your favorite band's chances of busting the bracket.
By James Montgomery

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Photo: Frank Hoensch/ Getty Images

Last year, when we launched the inaugural Musical March Madness tournament, we did it largely on a whim.

As I wrote when I revealed my original (handwritten) bracket, the basic idea was to combine my love of college basketball, gambling and rock music (and superfluous lists) into one magical event, and it really didn't matter that I hadn't figured out how bands would advance in the tournament or even what they'd get for winning. All I knew was that it seemed like a fun idea (especially since I didn't have anything else to write my column about that week) and that somewhere, there had to be someone who cared about these seemingly disparate things nearly as much as I did.

As it turned out, there were a lot of people who cared, and when it was all said and done — thanks to the efforts of a whole lot of folks, including Newsroom blog editor Kyle Anderson, who basically decided "You know what? People should vote on this!" — not only was Musical March Madness a certified success, but we somehow even managed to get an actual trophy to present to the winners, Coheed and Cambria, too. So, really, everybody won.

Of course, given the success of the original MMM, attention quickly shifted to the 2011 tournament. Last year, I basically just threw together a list of 64 bands (65, actually; who could forget the epic Against Me!/ Creed play-in battle?). For the 2011 tournament, however, I did research, monitored album sales and basically became a Selection Committee of one. And, yes, it took way longer than I ever could have imagined.

So, with the 2011 Musical March Madness set to tip off Monday — when we reveal our full bracket of 64 bands and launch voting in first-round matchups — I decided to pull back the curtain on that selection process. Some teams have all but locked up their spots in the 2011 tournament, while others still have some work to do. In the spirit of all things bracketological, here's my up-to-the-minute look at where your favorite bands stand for this year's MMM:

The #1 Seeds
The biggest bands in the land. Last year, I gave out #1's to Nickelback, Coldplay, Blink-182 and the Kings of Leon. Somewhat surprisingly, three-quarters of them ended up losing in the opening round of the tournament (only Blink survived, making it to the round of 32 before losing to 30 Seconds to Mars). Obviously, I overestimated the popularity of some of those acts, which means that, in 2011, to be a #1 seed, you have to have proven yourself as not only a rock-solid commodity, but an actual threat to win the championship too. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to have an album either in stores or coming soon. So here are my latest contenders for top seeds:

» Foo Fighters
» 30 Seconds to Mars
» Linkin Park
» My Chemical Romance
» Arcade Fire
» Vampire Weekend
» Muse
» The Black Keys
» Blink-182
» Radiohead
» Coldplay
» Mumford & Sons

The Foos have a hotly anticipated album coming down the pipeline, as does Coldplay. Are expectations enough to make them #1's? Or will the committee recognize the breakout success of the Black Keys, Muse and Mumford? Does a #1 album and a shocking Grammy win earn the Arcade Fire a top seed? Linkin Park and MCR both scuffed a bit with their latest albums, but does that matter, especially since they're both legacy acts with loyal fanbases (and, in the case of My Chem, are tournament-tested)? And will the committee ignore the fact that, by most accounts, Radiohead's latest was a bit of a letdown or that Blink-182 may never actually release their new album? As you can see, there are still plenty of questions left to be answered.

The Old Guard
Legacy acts with something left in the tank. In 2010, time-tested faves like Slipknot, the White Stripes, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Pearl Jam, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band all got invites to the big dance based largely on reputation alone (just think of them as the Dukes or Kansases of MMM). Of course, nearly all of them got knocked off in the first round, which means that this time around, reputation isn't going to be enough to punch their tickets. Shoot, some of these acts aren't even around anymore, which means that some deck-shuffling is in order. Here are the established acts that are still fighting for their tournament lives:

» Green Day
» Dave Matthews Band
» U2
» Red Hot Chili Peppers
» Rage Against the Machine
» Kid Rock
» Pearl Jam
» R.E.M.

Some (like the Chili Peppers and U2) have announced new albums this year, while others (like DMB) are planning to take 2011 off entirely. Still, whatever their status may be, the old guard remain forces at the cash registers and on radio, even if their latest albums didn't exactly light the world on fire. And ignoring that entirely just isn't possible. So how does the committee decide which make the field of 64? Good question. I'm still trying to figure out the answer.

The New Blood
Upset-minded young guns. The 2010 MMM featured up-and-coming acts like the Young Veins, 3OH!3, Owl City and MGMT. One year later, none of them are even on the radar. Picking new bands for MMM is always a challenge, though in 2011, there seem to be a handful who have all but secured their spots in the tournament, thanks to their breakout successes. I'm talking about the likes of:

» Mumford & Sons
» Florence and the Machine
» The Black Keys
» Cage the Elephant
» Sleigh Bells
» Adele

If the tournament started today, all of the above have been in (and some may even earn high seeds). But do any of them have enough to actually win the tournament? We'll just have to wait and see.

The Bracket Busters
Bands with solid, if not spectacular, résumés (weak out-of-conference schedules, etc.). Last year, this included eventual champs Coheed and Cambria, Final Four acts like Tokio Hotel, Elite Eight bands like Panic! at the Disco and Owl City, and even Patrick Stump, who rumbled all the way to the Sweet 16. In other words, the 2011 champion could very well come from this group. Here's my list of under-the-radar threats:

» Panic! (once again)
» Weezer
» The Decemberists
» Cake
» Paramore
» Avril Lavigne
» Crystal Bowersox
» Adam Lambert
» Death Cab for Cutie
» All Time Low

Two of the above — Cake and the Decemberists — have recent #1 debuts under their belts, while others have new albums on the horizon (DCFC, ATL, Avril). Others, like Bowersox and Lambert (who made the Sweet 16 last year), command insane fanbases, which make them dangerous on any day. Lavigne and ATL still have some work to do, but I'd consider all of the acts I just mentioned as safe for now.

The Bubble Bands
On-the-verge acts that need a little help to make it in. Maybe they win their conference championship, or maybe they PayPal the selection committee some cash, but these are the bands on the brink. In 2010, that included Panic! (no new album or single), the Gaslight Anthem (up-and-comers just learning to play together) and Coheed (largely ignored by mainstream radio). Most of those bands managed to do quite well in the tournament, while others, like Hollywood Undead, Lil Wayne, Them Crooked Vultures and the National, all flamed out in the tournament's opening round. Somewhat fittingly, it's a real feast-or-famine type of thing. Here's my updated list of bubble bands:

» Cobra Starship
» Ke$ha
» Tokio Hotel
» MGMT
» Train
» Adele
» Bret Michaels
» Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
» Taylor Swift

Right off the bat, neither Ke$ha nor Swift really rock (though Ke$h does use Jack Daniels as mouthwash), which makes them long shots. Tokio Hotel have done next to nothing since last year's tournament, but was their success enough to earn them a spot this year? Bret Michaels is basically indestructible at this point, so I'd consider him a lock. Cobra Starship are largely dormant but command a big enough fanbase to warrant consideration. MGMT's last album stiffed in spectacular fashion, which places them squarely on the soapy surface of the bubble.

So, will your favorite band make the cut for the 2011 Musical March Madness tournament? As you can see, the Selection Committee still has plenty of work to do — which means that, between now and Monday, I'll be burning the midnight oil, busting out the brackets and then re-busting them once again. It'll be a chore, but I bet it will be worth it. And I hope you'll be along for the ride. Your band needs you, after all.

MTV's 2011 Musical March Madness Tournament begins Monday, March 14, when we reveal the full field of 64 bands that will battle for the championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act makes the cut, it'll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, it's gonna be a war.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659479/musical-march-madness.jhtml

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Justin Bieber Vintage Video: His First Meeting With Usher

Justin Timberlake also wanted to sign Bieber, 'Never Say Never' star said in 2009.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber
Photo: Brian Phares/MTV News

Just as the world was learning who Justin Bieber was, MTV News caught up with the shaggy-haired singer in September 2009. He was gearing up to release his debut album, My World, and plotting his pop-world domination. In the year and a half since that interview, Bieber has done the nearly impossible, launching himself into the pop mega-sphere.

In the chat, Bieber recalled how he and his manager, Scooter Braun, met and eventually got big names interested in signing the teen.

"My manager found me on YouTube. He flew me out to Atlanta for the first time — I'd never actually been on a plane before. He flew me to Atlanta where i was going to the studio to meet some people," he recalled.

"And Usher happened to roll up in his Range Rover. I ran up to him, and I was like, 'Usher, I love your songs. Want me to sing you one?' The politest possible way he could say no, he did. ... I took the hint. I didn't get to sing for him: He had to run into a studio session."

But later, Usher was beckoning the teen back to the ATL. "He actually watched my videos — after my manager got to talking to him — and was like, 'I should have let this kid sing,' and flew me back to Atlanta where I got to sing for him in a proper setting. A week later, I had a meeting with Justin Timberlake, who also wanted to sign me, so they both kind of wanted me."

As the story goes, Bieber went with Usher, and the two never looked back.

"As far as Usher being my mentor, he's definitely given me words of wisdom. I hear it from everybody, but definitely to hear it from Usher is great, just to stay humble and grounded is very important," he explained.

"There's a lot of people, especially young stars, that have gone down the wrong path, and I definitely plan to stay humble and stay grounded and keep my family first, because that stuff really is important in life."

On Friday, Justin Bieber's 3-D documentary, "Never Say Never," opens. The film takes a look at how the teen star worked to hit it big. MTV News has been chatting with him along the way, from the time he first burst on the scene in 2009 until now, as he embarks on a huge 2011 that will include a tour and more new music.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1657425/justin-bieber-usher-video.jhtml

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Photos | Britney Spears Performs During 'Good Morning America'

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Ke$ha To Release Dance Remix Album In March

I Am the Dance Commander + I Commander You to Dance: The Remix Album hits stores March 22.
By Jocelyn Vena 

Ke$ha
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Ke$ha has made a name for herself as a party girl who makes party songs. But maybe you find the choice tracks on her debut, Animal, and the follow-up, Cannibal, not quite up to snuff for your dance-floor needs. And maybe that's why the singer has decided to release her first ever remix album, I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance: The Remix Album, on March 22.

For the album, Ke$ha hooked up with a number of dance DJs and producers, as well as a few notable guests. The track listing includes: "Blow" (Cirkut Remix), "The Sleazy Remix" (which includes an appearance by Andre 3000), "Tik Tok Untold Remix," "F--- Him He's a DJ" (live version), "Animal Switch Remix," "Your Love Is My Drug" Dave Audé club remix, "We R Who We R" Fred Falke club remix, "Take It Off" Billboard remix, "Tik Tok" Chuck Buckett's Veruca Salt remix and her track with 3OH!3, "Blah Blah Blah" DJ Skeet Skeet radio remix.

In addition to the new music, Ke$ha is also set to release the music video for her latest single, "Blow." She tweeted about filming it in late January. On Tuesday, the singer shared that she saw some footage from the video, writing, "Just saw the final cut of my new video for BLOW all I can say is HOT DAMN."

Currently, Ke$ha is on the road for her Get $leazy Tour, which she kicked off last week in Portland, Oregon. She's set to wrap up her tour in Las Vegas on May 7. 

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Ke$ha Enlists James Van Der Beek For 'Blow' Video

Singer and former 'Dawson's Creek' star battle it out in her new music video.
By Jocelyn Vena

Ke$ha in her video for "Blow"
Photo: RCA

Ke$ha's new music video for her song "Blow" opens with this disclaimer: "No mythological creatures were harmed in the making of this video."

Ke$ha isn't referring to "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek, who makes a cameo in the video, which was directed by Chris Marrs Piliero. She's referring to the champagne-swilling, hard-partying unicorns that also make an appearance in the video, which takes place at a society party.

Looking glossy and glam in her one-shoulder dress, she tells two unicorns, "I grabbed the bear by the throat, looked him right in the eyes and said, 'Bear you have until the count of zero to put some pants on and apologize to the president. And that's the story of how I was elected to the parliament of Uzbekistan."

She then giggles as she looks into the camera, telling viewers to "dance." Soon, she locks eyes with Van Der Beek. Ke$ha and Van Der Beek exchange glances as they make their way through the party. Scenes of their longing (and unicorns dancing with one another) are edited with scenes of Ke$ha, in a bodysuit, mugging for the camera, singing the song and kissing more unicorns.

Van Der Beek begins stripping off his suit jacket and dances his way towards the singer, who then pulls off her bra from under her gown. He follows suit, leaving viewers laughing and Ke$ha understandably perplexed about why he wears a bra under his dress shirt.

"Well, well, well ... if it isn't James Van Der Douche," she says.

"I don't appreciate you slander-beeking my name," Van Der Beek replies.

After snipping at one another and trading barbs, they begin shooting lasers at one another in a battle sequence, knocking down and killing rainbow-shooting unicorns in the process. In the end, it's revealed that Ke$ha has killed the actor and mounted his head on her wall, laughing off the encounter. The plaque in which his head is displayed reads "James Van Der Dead."

What do you think of the new Ke$ha video? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658721/kesha-james-van-der-beek-blow-video.jhtml

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Photos | Chris Brown And Usher Perform In Jamaica

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Britney Spears - Break the Ice

Break the Ice

• Artist: Britney Spears
• Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
• Director: Robert Hales
• Album: Blackout

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=215555

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Britney Spears - 3

3

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• Label: Jive, Jive Label Group
• Director: Diane Martel

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=501686&vid=452061

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'Sucker Punch' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

Before you check out Zack Snyder's action-packed flick, learn how it came to be.
By Kara Warner

Emily Browning in "Sucker Punch"
Photo: Warner Bros./ Legendary Pictures

Way back in October 2008, amid the buzz surrounding Zack Snyder's big-screen adaptation of "Watchmen," news broke about plans for his next project, an original screenplay penned by Snyder and Steve Shibuya called "Sucker Punch," billed simply as "Alice in Wonderland with machine guns." For Snyder's devoted fanbase, that descriptor was enough to set minds speculating and Internets buzzing for well over two years.

Naturally, MTV News has been following the project from conception to opening day Friday (March 25). Here's everything you need to know about "Sucker Punch":

First, in addition to the "Alice in Wonderland with machine guns" tease, the initial logline announced that the plot revolved around "a young girl institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility."

In March 2009, an all-female cast was announced, with several of Hollywood's most in-demand ingénues attached. Not too long after that, Amanda Seyfried, Emma Stone and Evan Rachel Wood bowed out and Emily Browning, Jamie Chung and Jena Malone stepped in.

From then on, the principal cast was set, with just a few additions to come (including Carla Gugino and Jon Hamm), and the film production was on its way.

There wasn't much news to report until early 2010 when, amid the post-"Avatar" 3-D craze, Warner Bros. announced that "Sucker Punch" would be converted to 3-D, which excited star Vanessa Hudgens at the time, until a few months later, Snyder spoke out about his reservations on the subject. It seems Snyder's concerns were heard, because the studio changed its mind.

Cut to San Diego Comic-Con 2010, when Snyder dazzled fans with a teaser trailer (which later debuted online, with tons of intense analysis) during the film's panel. Shortly thereafter, the lovely leading ladies stopped by the MTV News shooting suite to discuss their intense training for the film.

After the Comic-Con chaos, fans had to wait a few months to see more teasers, in the form of a second trailer (which MTV Movies Blog named one of the year's best) that dropped in November 2010 and a collection of character posters.

MTV Movies Blog kicked off the New Year with a preview piece in which we named "Sucker Punch" one of the most anticipated films of the year, and shortly after that, the promotional machine kicked into high gear.

Throughout the film's opening month, March 2011, we received news of an online animated movie intended as an offshoot or short companion piece to the film, called "The Trenches." Also over on Movies Blog, we rolled out "patient files" on all the lead characters: Amber, Rocket, Sweet Pea and Blondie.

MTV News also reconnected with everyone to discuss the cast's thoughts on their character's most outrageous moments and Snyder's explanation about where the idea for the movie came from.

Finally, our coverage capped off at the film's big premiere in Hollywood on Wednesday, where we learned what "Sucker Punch" really means.

Check out everything we've got on "Sucker Punch."

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

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Wiz Khalifa Wants To Rap Over 'Really Tight' Mumford & Sons Song

'Roll Up' MC tells MTV News he's a fan of the rock quartet during Spring Break in Las Vegas.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Sway and Wiz
Photo: MTV News

Spring Break is a chance for willing college kids to try something new. So in the spirit of the yearly tradition, Wiz Khalifa — one of the performers at MTV's Spring Break 2011, along with Snoop Dogg, Pitbull and Lupe Fiasco — spoke to MTV News about experimenting with rhyming.

We asked the "Black and Yellow" star whose music he would pick if he could rap over any other artist's song.

"Mumford & Sons, they got a really tight song that I wanna rap over," Wiz said. "That I would totally rap over if I had the chance to 'cause usually, when I see the video or hear the song, I get it real quick but now I have to ask again. I forgot. [Editor's note: Wiz is likely referring either to M&S singles "Little Lion Man" or "The Cave."] "They're tight and really musical," he said about the West London quartet. "I like the instruments they use, like bongos. It's tight and acceptable."

Although Wiz took to the Las Vegas stage joined by his DJ, the Pittsburgh rapper said he also had a band in mind if he needed a crew to back him: the Disco Biscuits.

"They're hard," he explained. "It's just sound-y. When you get that vibe and that music, it just feels good and makes you feel a certain way when you hear it."

Khalifa, an MTV News 11 for '11 pick, is set to celebrate his major-label debut on Tuesday, when Rolling Papers arrives in stores and at online retailers.

"We got a couple of surprises along the way to keep people interested," he told MTV News last month. "But really, other than that, the album is done. We're really excited. Everyone is excited. [Warner Music Group executive] Lyor [Cohen] came through to a session. I got so much support from the single and going into the album. So when we do drop it, I think we'll get that response that everyone was expecting."

Catch Wiz performing in Las Vegas during MTV's Spring Break on Monday night (March 28) on MTV at 9:50 p.m. ET.

Are you excited to hear Wiz's Rolling Papers? Tell us in the comments!

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Photos | Britney Gets Angelic In These Femme Fatale Promo Shots

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Beyoncé - Diva

Diva

• Artist: Beyoncé
• Label: Columbia, Music World Music
• Director: Melina
• Album: I Am...Sasha Fierce

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'Superman' Reboot Taps Amy Adams To Play Lois Lane

Oscar-nominated actress will play the 'smart, tough, funny' journalist, director Zack Snyder announces.
By Aly Semigran

Amy Adams
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

Clark Kent, meet your Lois Lane.

After weeks of guessing who would play the Man of Steel's leading lady in the upcoming "Superman" reboot, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, along with director Zack Snyder announced on Sunday (March 27) that Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams will take on the iconic role.

Snyder, whose latest endeavor, "Sucker Punch," opened in second place at the box office this weekend, said in a statement, "Second only to Superman himself, the question of who will play Lois Lane is arguably what fans have been most curious about. So we are excited to announce the casting of Amy Adams, one of the most versatile and respected actresses in films today. Amy has the talent to capture all of the qualities we love about Lois: smart, tough, funny, warm, ambitious and, of course, beautiful."

Adams, 36, whose versatile résumé includes "Enchanted," "Talladega Nights," "Doubt" and, most recently, "The Fighter," which earned her an Oscar nod, will star opposite the new Superman, Henry Cavill, who is nine years her junior.

But age clearly didn't factor into Snyder's decision, as he told the Los Angeles Times, "There was a big, giant search for Lois. For us it was a big thing and obviously a really important role. We did a lot of auditioning but we had this meeting with Amy Adams and after that I just felt she was perfect for it."

Snyder, who reached out to Adams regarding the "Superman" news via phone while in Paris on Sunday, went on to explain why the Lois Lane role will be "a linchpin" for his vision for the tentatively titled "Man of Steel."

"It goes back to what I've said about Superman and making him really understandable for today. What's important to us is making him relevant and real and making him empathetic to today's audience so that we understand the decisions he makes," he said, "That applies to Lois as well. She has to be in the same universe as him [in tone and substance]."

Adams and Cavill will be joined by Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, who will play Clark Kent's adoptive parents.

What do you think of Amy Adams being cast as Lois Lane in the new "Superman" movie? Tell us in the comments!

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660738/superman-reboot-taps-amy-adams-play-lois-lane.jhtml

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Photos | Ke$ha Exclusive Photos | MTV Style

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Photos | 2010 Grammy Award Performers

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'Sucker Punch' Stars Hope Action Flick 'Hits You In The Gut'

Vanessa Hudgens teases MTV News at the film's premiere, 'Sucker punch means you don't know what's coming.'
By Kara Warner

Emily Browning, Jamie Chung and Vanessa Hudgens at the L.A. premiere of "Sucker Punch"
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images

For those who've seen the trailers, TV spots and highly stylized posters, you're likely aware that "Sucker Punch" descends upon theaters on Friday. Zack Snyder's estrogen-fueled flick has been billed as a curious, complex, action-adventure-fantasy, but despite the promotional push, it's safe to say that plenty of people are still scratching their heads, wondering, "What the heck is 'Sucker Punch'?"

MTV News headed out to the film's star-studded, slightly rain-soaked premiere in Hollywood on Wednesday night to find out.

"Sucker punch means you don't know what's coming," Vanessa Hudgens said simply. "It's being knocked out by something unexpected," co-star Jena Malone added.

"Sucker punch is this idea of taking an unexpected blow," Abbie Cornish said, adding in a brief plot summary to her definition as well. "A lot of the girls are totally unprepared for what's about to happen to them. They've been living in this institution and Baby Doll [played by Emily Browning] comes along and changes their whole perception of freedom, of hope, of escapism," she explained. "And so their ways of life are challenged, they're sucker-punched with this whole idea of freedom."

Director Zack Snyder, who created the story along with co-writer Steve Shibuya, continued with the "expect the unexpected" theme.

"I think it means two things: If you have preconceived ideas about what these girls are capable of, you're going to get a sucker punch," he said. "And also too, there's actually a thing in the movie, a physical thing that supplies the sucker punch as well."

Carla Gugino said the title of the film and the idea itself are fun because there's a lot left up to interpretation or theories. She also echoed the sentiments of her co-stars.

"To me, a sucker punch is one of those things you least expect, that you're unprepared for, but that hits you in the gut," she said. "And I think that hopefully this movie is, and this movie embodies that."

Are you planning to go see "Sucker Punch"? Tell us in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "Sucker Punch."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660596/sucker-punch-premiere.jhtml

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Angelina Jolie And Brad Pitt Plan To Adopt Filipino Child Next?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have so much on their hands already, what with big movie careers to manage NOT TO MENTION SIX CHILDREN. I do not know how they would handle one more! But sources say that they’ve been … Continue reading →

Source: http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2011/03/10/angelina-jolie-and-brad-pitt-plan-to-adopt-filipino-child-next/

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Coldplay, Led Zeppelin Album Covers Featured On New British Stamps

Album art from Pink Floyd, Blur and David Bowie also included.
By James Montgomery

Coldplay's new British stamps
Photo: Royal Mail

On Thursday (January 7), the U.K.'s Royal Mail unveiled a series of 10 new stamps, honoring the most iconic album covers of the past 40 years.

The albums featured in the new series are the Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, Led Zeppelin's IV, David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, The Clash's London Calling, New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies, Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Pink Floyd's The Division Bell, Blur's Parklife and — the most recent album on to make the cut — Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head.

Meant to honor "the most potent graphic images of modern times, many of which have provided a visual soundtrack to people's lives," the series is the end result of a lengthy research process by the Royal Mail, who looked through thousands of album covers by British artists before deciding on the final list. And, during a Wednesday night BBC Radio broadcast, it was revealed that the queen herself actually approved each design.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page — who helped design the cover for IV — was on hand to celebrate the release of the stamps and recalled the mysterious nature of the album's iconic imagery.

"Almost 40 years after the album came out, nobody knows the old man who featured on the cover, nor the artist who painted him," he said. "That sort of sums up what we wanted to achieve with the album cover, which has remained both anonymous and enigmatic at the same time."

Of course, any great honor is befitting of an equally great contest, so, on the same day the stamps were made available to the general public, Coldplay decided to give one of their Rush of Blood stamps away. In a message on their official site, the band held a contest to send one lucky fan "a letter using a Coldplay stamp, postmarked with today's issue date."

"We visited our local post office earlier today and bought some of the Coldplay stamps," the message read. "Very nice they are too."

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629227/coldplay-led-zeppelin-album-covers-featured-on-new-british-stamps.jhtml

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Michael Jackson - Beat It

Beat It

• Artist: Michael Jackson
• Label: Epic Records
• Director: Bob Giraldi
• Album: Thriller [Bonus Tracks]

Source: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?artist=1102&vid=26721

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