Wednesday, August 31, 2011
MAGAZINE FAB: Meagan Good Turns 30 With "ROLLING OUT"
Meagan Good recently turned 30 and has come into her own as an actress. She opens up to "ROLLING OUT" magazine about the path she took to get there and being an positive role model to young women. See the highlights inside....
Ms. Good is an actress who knows who she is an an artist and as a woman. In the latest issue of "ROLLING OUT" Magazine, she reveals how exactly she put herself on the right path and how she hopes to inspire other women. See the highlights below:
It’s been a busy year for you, and your visibility has increased as of late. How does it make you feel when you hear people say that it’s the return of Megan Good?
I don’t feel like I ever left. I just started dabbling in different genres, movies, and going after different audiences. So maybe this is a return to the people that supported me since day one. As you get older, you just like to approach things differently and look for different opportunities to play different characters and evolve as an artist.So what were some of the things that you felt you had to explore creatively?
I wanted to look for roles that had nothing to do with me being sexy. And I’ve always wanted to do horror movies. It’s what inspired me as a kid, and when it’s done right, there’s a lot of dramatic acting in it. More than anything, I just wanted to play to a different audience, and do something different that had nothing to do with me playing a love interest or the girl next door. Even now, if I do play a love interest, it’s not your average role. I’m working hard to make her quirky and more interesting.Is there a newfound freedom in going after these new roles, and not allowing yourself to be confined to certain types of characters? Has this approach helped to birth a new Meagan?
No, my freedom and renewal comes from finally being happy with who I am, and being comfortable with all of me — even my shortcomings. I have come to a place in my life where I don’t have a problem saying or doing what I feel publicly. The only thing that I do focus on is walking a spiritual line, and that means that I want to represent a woman of God. I want to be a virtuous woman of God, but by that same token, I’m very different in my approach. I’m not overly religious. I’m not judgmental. I don’t look down on people and I don’t try and force what I feel on them. But the truth is, I love Jesus Christ and I am a Christian.Now, I’m not perfect by any means, but I’m improving daily. I have to, because I know that there [are] a lot of young girls watching me, and I do want to teach them and be a positive influence in their lives. I want them to know that they can go out and have fun, but you also have to be smart. And I want them to know that if they choose to have a boyfriend, they need to always respect themselves and know their worth, and demand that he do the same. I also want to encourage young girls to be abstinent … as you can see, I just really want to be a positive influence.
You mentioned wanting to teach young girls; what would you have taught a young, 21-year-old Meagan?
I would have told her how much the Lord loves her, and how perfect she is in the Lord’s eyes. And I would have just told her to have faith and know that God is going to make everything work out. I would have told her that she shouldn’t try so hard to control her own destiny, and that she shouldn’t let people’s opinions of her make her form an opinion of herself. And lastly, I would have told her that she shouldn’t let people who are still trying to figure out life themselves, hurt her by their judgments or opinions.Who was more influential for you: was it friends, boyfriends or family when it came to developing your opinion of self?
My mom and my sister were very positive, and I had a lot of friends and family who were very positive influences. They would call me out when I was wrong, they always encouraged me, and [they] were my shoulder to cry on when I needed it. At the time, there were a lot of things that were negative, whether it be a boyfriend, the media, or just anyone. I was always being judged about my appearance or whether or not I was being hypocritical with my words and actions.
And it’s funny since I turned 30 about two weeks ago, all these lights clicked on, and I spent all of [my] 29th [year] preparing for it and not knowing it was happening. I was preparing for this moment, and it’s just a really great place to be now. When you surround yourself with happier people and disregard the negative, it’s a much happier place to be.Tell us about your birthday wish when you blew out your candles.
I just wished that the people around me, and that people in general would know how valuable they are. No matter what their circumstances are, I wished for them to know that there is a better them on the other side. All they have to do is step out on faith and they can walk into it. That’s the nice thing about this last year … I discovered my faith in a major way. My world completely crumbled from every aspect you can possibly think of, but it was necessary in order for me to step into my new life. So I stepped into it and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I just thank God that he gave me the strength, and I’m proud of myself for actually stepping out on faith, and allowing myself to be as happy as I am right now.
Chick knows how to keep it sexy.
HOT. Read more over at Rolling Out.
Photos via Michael BarR
Will Nancy Grace Show a Softer Side on DWTS?
With the Dancing With the Stars contestants announced yesterday, Nancy Grace is commenting about being on the show. Nancy is very excited and feels like she has been selected to go to the Ball. 51 year old legal analyst Nancy Grace, mother of twins, is certainly used to being in the driver’s seat when it comes to being on television. Her outspoken controversial personality is either loved or hated by her viewers. Nancy fears she may fall or be less graceful than other younger contestants. The question will be, will she let her partner lead and show a surprising graceful side and surprise us all or will this be another Kate Gosselin situation? And will Casey Anthony watch the show and vote for Nancy Grace? Dancing with the Stars season 13 begins September 19th on ABC. This is sure going to be a great season.
Simplified: BeatCrave Fav of the Month
Your votes have been counted: Simplified is your BeatCrave Fav for the Month of July! The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band has a lot up their sleeves, not only in the way of genre but along the lines of heart, drive, and staying power. It’s these qualities that caught our attention and earned them a place [...]
Doctors Can't Force Texas Women To View Ultrasound Before Abortions, Judge Rules
A federal judge has struck down parts of an extreme Texas law going that would require a doctor to show a woman — including a rape victim — an ultrasound, describe the development of the fetus, and give her headphones to listen to a fetal heartbeat before an abortion. Doctors who refused to do these things to their patients — cruel by any compassionate standard — would have been penalized. An injunction issued yesterday blocks the state from enforcing penalties on both doctors and patients.
The judge ruled aspects of the law, which goes into effect on Thursday, were "unconstitutionally vague" and violate the free speech of both the doctor and the patient by requiring "government-mandated speech." In his decision, the judge wrote the law "compels physicians to advance an ideological agenda with which they may not agree, regardless of any medical necessity, and irrespective of whether the pregnant women wish to listen." He continued, "The court is inclined to agree with (the) defendants' characterization that (the) "plaintiffs have chosen to throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks." That's how much respect these anti-abortion extremists have for you, ladies.
Hugh Jackman Throws His Daughter Into The Ocean
Hugh Jackman, a man who NEVER fails to take time out of his bizzy work schedule to spend bonding time with his children, was spotted frolicking in the ocean with his daughter Ava Eliot this week and the pair were snapped during their beach playdate together. As you can see in the photos below, Hugh [...]
ChloÎ Sevigny Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe
DWTS Doesn't Give A Flip About Real Housewives!
Despite speculation that a star or two of the Bravo series might have been joining the Dancing with the Stars cast, it seems like ABC could care less.
Bethenny Frankel, Teresa Giudice, and Kim Richards have all vied for the what they see as a coveted spot on the reality competition show, but all three [...]
Bethenny Frankel, Teresa Giudice, and Kim Richards have all vied for the what they see as a coveted spot on the reality competition show, but all three [...]
Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville Gina Carano
Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie
- Artist: Justin Bieber
- Label: Epic, Beluga Heights
- Director: Ray Kay
- Album: My World 2.0
Angelina Jolie's London Lad
Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie was spotted with her kids at The Pottery Cafe on Wednesday (August 31) in the Richmond neighborhood of London, England. The 36-year-old actress held hands with her youngest son Knox, 3, while big sis Zahara, 6�, followed closely behind.
Looking stunning as always on the cover of the October issue of Vanity Fair magazine, Angie talked about her directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey and put a few rumors to rest.
Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie
- Artist: Justin Bieber
- Label: Epic, Beluga Heights
- Director: Ray Kay
- Album: My World 2.0
"Ides of March" Opens Up the Venice Film Festival
It?s no doubt one of the most-anticipated films of the year, and ?The Ides of March? premiered at the annual Venice Film Festival on Wednesday evening (August 31).
Big names such as George Clooney, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti and Phillip Seymour Hoffman proudly walked the red carpet ahead of their movie's debut screening.
Also on hand for the festival opening festivities were supermodel Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber, as well as lovely actress Diane Kruger.
Evening Standard?s Derek Malcolm?s review of the film recently hit the web, with the writer awarding it 4-out-of-5 stars - adding that the political drama ?has it all.?
Directed by Clooney while telling the story of "an idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate who gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail," ?The Ides of March? is set to hit US theaters on October 7th.
Tiki Barber Engaged To Former Mistress Traci Lynn Johnson
Tiki Barber Engaged To Former Mistress Traci Lynn Johnson
Disgraced former professional football star Tiki Barber has proposed to his girlfriend of two years, Traci Lynn Johnson, after leaving his pregnant wife (carrying twins) [...]
Tiki Barber Engaged To Former Mistress Traci Lynn Johnson Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
'The Avengers' Assemble, With Other Disney Stars, At D23
We recap all the sneak peeks and news to come out of the Mouse House's movie convention.
By Terri Schwartz, with additional reporting by Kara Warner
Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth
Photo: MTV News
"The Avengers" might not be assembling in theaters until May 4, 2012, but fans who attended Disney's D23 convention in Anaheim, California, over the weekend were lucky enough to catch the cast joining forces in person. MTV News was on the scene too, so stay tuned for our interviews with the stars. In the meantime, here's a little recap of the weekend's highlights:
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston and Cobie Smulders all showed up to unveil two new clips from the upcoming superhero flick. It was the first time the group has come together publicly since 2010's San Diego Comic-Con, and the first time "How I Met Your Mother" star Smulders has been part of the promotion for the movie.
Both of the clips shown focused on the showdown between the Avengers and "Thor" bad boy Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, AceShowBiz reports. The first showed Loki trapped in a high-tech chamber in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier, chatting with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury. It is revealed that the chamber was actually created to hold the Hulk, but will hold Loki because he threatens Earth with war and "a force [he] can't control."
The second scene featured Downey's Tony Stark chatting with Loki in a private bar. "Let's do a head count," Loki says. "Two world class assassins" — the camera cuts to shots of Hawkeye and Black Widow — "a demigod" — cut to Thor — "a living legend who actually lives up to the legend" — a glimpse of Captain America. Stark responds by saying, "And you, big fella, you have managed to piss off every single one of them."
"I have an army," Loki says. Stark strikes back, "We have a Hulk."
When MTV caught up with Downey and Hemsworth after the panel, the two were coy about any scenes other than the ones that have been revealed. Downey joked that his favorite scene in the movie was the one "in which we don't reveal anything about the plot," but Hemsworth admitted that his favorite was already revealed.
"One of our first days was the whole assembly," he said, referring to the scene that was revealed at the end of "Captain America: The First Avenger." "That was pretty crazy. Not only meeting Robert Downey and Scarlett and whatever, but it was meeting Iron Man and Black Widow and the Hulk. It's exciting."
Marvel wasn't the only Disney division doing some heavy lifting at D23, though. Pixar showed up with a slew of announcements, including some news about unannounced upcoming films, ScreenRant recapped.
First on the docket is "Brave," the Scotland-based animated adventure that hits in 2012. In addition to showing some new clips of the movie, Pixar also released a fleshed out plot synopsis that gives "Brave" more context. "Monsters University" received a summer 2013 release date slot, and Pixar also added two yet-untitled animated flicks to its upcoming releases. The first, directed by "Up" helmer Bob Peterson, speculates on what would happen if dinosaurs never became extinct and should hit theaters in fall 2013. The second, directed by "Monsters, Inc." 's Pete Doctor, explores inside the human mind and should be released at some point in 2014.
Also on the animation front, Shock Till You Drop reported on the "Frankenweenie" sizzle reel that was presented at the panel, which included footage from the flick, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with the cast members. The title card for the movie was also unveiled, as well as the news that Danny Elfman will be composing the flick's score. "Frankenweenie" hits theaters October 5, 2012.
Jason Segel showed up with his "The Muppets" co-stars Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy to present two new clips from the movie, Entertainment Weekly reported. Clip number one featured an inside look at Kermit's house and showed that he's stuck in his '80s heyday, while clip number two showed off Muppets Rolf, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and Dr. Teeth trying to get the old Muppet Theater back in working order.
Not to be outdone, the cast and crew of "John Carter of Mars" presented four new clips from their upcoming sci-fi flick. Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe and Lynn Collins stood with director Andrew Stanton to show off the footage, EW recounted. The unfinished clips featured scenes where the titular Carter first lands on Mars, gets captured by Thark leader Tars Tarkas, has to battle his way out of a gladiatorial arena and tries to convince his lady love not to go through with her arranged marriage. Vulture said the clips had "a distinctly Pixar sense of humor," which can be attributed to Stanton's history with the animation company.
The last big presentation of D23 was for "Oz, the Great and Powerful," and though there was no finished footage, the panel did get to see James Franco's wizard and Michelle Williams' Glinda in costume. AceShowBiz said that a behind-the-scenes sizzle reel, narrated by director Sam Raimi, displayed concept art for the Emerald City, munchkins and the yellow brick road. The movie is currently in production in Detroit and is set to hit theaters on March 8, 2013.
Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Charli Baltimore Charlies Angels Charlize Theron Chelsea Handler
Daryl Hannah Arrested In White House Protest
Actress Daryl Hannah has been arrested in front of the White House along with other environmental protesters who oppose a planned oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The sit-in Tuesday involved dozens protesting the Keystone XL pipeline. It would go through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas to refineries in [...]
Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Jonas Akerlund
Henry Cavill Suits Up as "Superman: Man of Steel"
Getting down to work on his new project, Henry Cavill was spotted in full Superman garb in Plano, Illinois yesterday (August 30).
The ?Red Riding Hood? stud looked ripped in his skin-tight attire as he filmed scenes for ?Man of Steel? while fans and paparazzi looked on.
?Man of Steel? isn?t set to hit theaters until June 14th, 2013, but there?s already plenty of buzz about the project.
In addition to Henry, the flick stars big names like Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, and Laurence Fishburne.
Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen
When A Label Knockoff Is Much More Than A Rip-Off
Most tourists that visit New York know that if you want a Coach bag, but don't want to pay Coach prices, you can head down to Chinatown and buy a Coach knockoff for a fraction of the designer price. The counterfeit business is a multimillion dollar illegal industry, and you'd be surprised how many fashionistas are carrying fake Fendis. So, that's one kind of counterfeiting; but there's a whole other style of knockoffs—homemade knockoffs.
Not long ago, artist Luis Gispert became obsessed with logo counterfeiters—people who ripped off designer logos and made custom designs with them for their clothing, cars and in some extreme cases, houses. Gispert's new solo show at New York's Mary Boone Gallery, titled "Decepcion," chronicles those logo obsessives, who see their work as more of an homage to the aspirational lifestyle of luxury brands than a desire to pass off their wares as genuine.
Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner
AnnaLynne McCord's Magical Day on the "90210" Set
After hours of getting ready for her time in front of the cameras, AnnaLynne McCord exited her trailer to shoot a magic show scene on the set of "90210" in Redondo Beach on Tuesday (August 30).
Looking quite glamorous, the Naomi Clark cutie cuddled with a rabbit while being hoisted into the air on a giant ring as the film crew captured all of the action.
The day's efforts are all part of the compilation of material for the upcoming fourth season of the hit CW show.
With new episodes quickly approaching, the West Beverly gang is back in action when "90210" premieres on Tuesday, September 13 at 8PM.
Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jack, My Narcoleptic Nephew Update
Remember when I wrote this post about how my nephew Jack can sleep anywhere?
Well, here's the latest:
Britney Spears Wins The ?Best Pop Video? & ?Video Vanguard? Awards At The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
Last night, MTV paid “tribute” to our dear Britney Spears at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards by presenting her with the coveted Video Vanguard Award, which honors artists for outstanding lifetime video music achievement. When it was announced that Britney would be receiving the Video Vanguard Award this year, there was much discussion about [...]
Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh
Beyonce Puts 'Love On Top' At VMAs, Reveals Pregnancy
'I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me,' B says onstage as papa-to-be Jay-Z smiles proudly.
By Gil Kaufman
Beyoncé on stage at the 2011 VMAs
Photo: FilmMagic
It's hard to think of anything veteran VMA star Beyoncé could have done to make her Sunday (August 28) performance slot during the big show an even bigger deal. Except maybe using it to reveal that she's pregnant.
"Tonight I want you to stand up on your feet, I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me," Queen B said as an introduction to "Love on Top," hinting to the world the news that she had alluded to on the black carpet just an hour before when she cradled her belly and teased that she would be making some kind of "announcement."
With a blinding light beaming out behind her, Beyoncé took the stage in a purple spangly tuxedo jacket, black pants and white tuxedo shirt, still rocking her fierce six-inch heels of old, pregnant or not. Her blond hair blowing in the wind, and backed by six dancers wearing similar shimmering tuxes, the glowing diva gave new meaning to the lyrics, "Now everybody asks me why I'm smiling out from ear to ear."
The audience was clearly feeling the love also, with Adele singing along and Kanye West putting his arm around Jo Calderone (a.k.a. Lady Gaga) as they laughed and smiled at the set from their pal. Normally a spirited dancer who uses the whole stage, B kept her dancing to a minimum for most of the song, shuffling and rocking back and forth as she held onto the microphone stand while singing the 1960s-style R&B tune.
A veteran on the VMA stage, Beyoncé roped in upside down in 2003 to perform the first two singles from her solo debut, "Baby Boy" and "Crazy in Love." She returned three years later dressed in a trench coat over a black leather leotard for a run through "Ring the Alarm," which cemented her status as one of the event's MVPs. And if there was any doubt who runs the show, she put it to rest in 2009 when an army of female backup dancers joined her for an eye-popping version of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" that turned into a viral sensation.
While those appearances were full of her high-energy dancing, Lady B didn't pull it all the way up on Sunday, eventually making her way to the extended lip in front of the stage, throwing down and getting a bit wild as she brought the tune home with some of her signature, church-born power vocals. Rocking her body side-to-side and tossing her impressive head of hair as she encouraged the audience to put their hands together, Beyoncé ended the performance by dropping the mic, opening her jacket and rubbing her belly.
It was all smiles at that point, with Kanye giving his Throne-mate, proud papa-to-be Jigga, some heartfelt hugs and shoulder pats in honor of the blessed news.
If Jay sits on the throne and she's the Queen B, then that must mean their offspring will be a prince or princess, right?
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards are live now! Stick with MTV News for winners, photos, video and behind-the-scenes stories about everything going down. Visit VMA.MTV.com for the latest.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
VIDEO: Part 2 Of Behind-The-Scenes of Beyonce's "Intimate Nights Of 4"
You've seen part 1. Now part 2 has hit the net of what went down behind-the-scenes to build up to Beyonce's 4 intimate nights of "4" concerts.
Check the video under the cut...
In the video, you see Beyonce working hard as usual, all while holding her pregnancy secret, to prepare for her 4 nights of intimate concerts. She tells her band the concept of what the personal concerts at Roseland means to her. And during rehearsals, directs the placements and other set preps for the shows.
By the way, Bey's reps says she will indeed still perform via satellite for Michael Jackson's tribute concert on October 8th.
It's a Royal Affair...
... in Brooklyn!
Bev has decided to wear an asymmetrical fascinator to celebrate Kate and Wills' big day, while Mary opted for a hat with a little tropical flavor.
Cheerio!
(By the way, this wasn't an easy photo to get:)
Solange Knowles Speaks Out On Her Weekend Switchblade Incident
Solange Knowles has fired back at police reports surrounding a weekend altercation with law officials in Florida, insisting they have made “false statements” to the media. The singer took to Twitter.com to vent her fury after an officer reportedly pulled a switchblade on her outside a club in Miami Beach on Saturday night. The angry [...]
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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Britney Spears - Radar
- Artist: Britney Spears
- Label: RCA, Jive, Zomba Label Group
- Director: Dave Meyers
- Album: Circus
Show Down
As I mentioned yesterday, most of my Sunday was all about the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Altho I chose not to work the red carpet this year, the folks at MTV (and the lovely Tamika in particular, love and thanks to her) still hooked me up with a ticket to attend the show. I [...]
Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian
Adam Lambert's 'Whole Lotta Love': The Story Behind The Cover
Glam rocker tackled the legendary 1970 Led Zeppelin song for 'American Idol' rock night.
By Gil Kaufman
Adam Lambert performs "Whole Lotta Love" on "American Idol" on Tuesday
Photo: R. Mickshaw/Getty Images/ Fox
Imagine a freight train speeding toward you at midnight. Or a rockslide barreling down a hill as you try to outrace it. That's the feeling of the ominous, chugging Jimmy Page riff that kicks off Led Zeppelin's 1970 Stonehenge of rock, "Whole Lotta Love." And that's before singer Robert Plant leans into one of the nastiest, ecstatic rock screams this side of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."
That's the song Adam Lambert chose to sing on "American Idol" rock night Tuesday (May 5), and, needless to say, it was a challenge that the eyeliner-loving Los Angeles stage veteran was more than up for, hitting a series of high notes and rock screams that would have made Plant proud. It was a risky maneuver that paid off for Lambert, who chose a tune that came in at #75 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004.
The legendary British rock act recorded the tribute to Chicago blues icon Willie Dixon during their second U.S. tour after working it out in their live show, including it on their 1969 classic album Led Zeppelin II. Like many of the songs Zeppelin performed early in their career, "Love" was a blues standard turned on its head with a heavy dose of crunching psychedelic guitar and thundering drums, courtesy of late drummer John Bonham. The song was based on a 1962 tune by another blues forefather, Muddy Waters, called "You Need Love," which was penned by Dixon.
For Zeppelin's version, Plant customized the lyrics by adding some lyrical quotes from a few other songs Dixon wrote for Howlin' Wolf, "Back Door Man" and "Shake For Me," nailing the tricky vocal in a single take. It was also inspired by 1966's "You Need Loving" from the British rock group the Small Faces, for whom Zeppelin had great affection, but they also did not credit Dixon for his part in writing the original lyrics. The song became Zeppelin's first U.S. single and their only U.S. top 10 hit. Though their manager would not let them release singles in the U.K. because he thought it cannibalized album sales, the song was finally released as the band's only British single in 1997.
Dixon sued Zeppelin over the song in 1985, claiming it borrowed too heavily from his "You Need Love," and Zeppelin reached an agreement with him, with Dixon using the money he received to set up a program that provided musical instruments for schools. A cornerstone of heavy rock, the tune -- which was the theme song for the long-running British countdown show "Top of the Pops" in the 1970s and '80s -- has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, from Tina Turner and Ben Harper to Prince, Slash, Leona Lewis, Train's Pat Monahan, the London Symphony Orchestra and Jane's Addiction.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsMiranda Lambert Talks About Instant Attraction To Blake Shelton (Videos)
Miranda Lambert Talks About Instant Attraction To Blake Shelton (Videos)
Country singer Miranda Lambert talked with Dateline in an interview on Monday, speaking about her instant attraction when she first met a then-married Blake Shelton.� [...]
Miranda Lambert Talks About Instant Attraction To Blake Shelton (Videos) Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Beyonce To Hit The VMA Stage
Tune in for B's first VMA performance in two years, this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
By Aly Semigran
Beyoncé
Photo: Tabatha Fireman/Redferns
Beyoncé, who instructed girls to run the world with her VMA-nominated smash song, will now run the stage at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
The "Run the World (Girls)" singer, who has three nominations this year (including Best Female Video, Best Choreography and Best Cinematography) and is the previous recipient of nine Moonmen, including 2009's Video of the Year award for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," will join the lineup of 2011 VMA performers, which already includes Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Young the Giant, Pitbull and Ne-Yo. Jessie J will serve as a house artist for the ceremony.
"We are thrilled to have Beyoncé return to her rightful musical home at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards," said Amy Doyle, executive producer of the 2011 MTV VMAs and MTV's EVP of Music & Talent, in a statement. "Her performances at the VMAs are legendary — leaving everyone breathless and talking for days. We can't wait to see her set the stage on fire once again!"
While it's been two years since the pop diva extraordinaire last hit the stage as a VMA performer (when she, along with a bevy of backup dancers, brought down the house with a "Single Ladies" number), Beyoncé recently played a series of intimate shows at New York's Roseland Ballroom, performing songs off of her latest album, 4, as well as classic hits, including favorites from the Destiny's Child era, to sold-out crowds.
The VMAs will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday at 9 p.m. (live ET/ tape-delayed PT). Presenters includes Selena Gomez (who will pull double duty as VMA pre-show host), Taylor Lautner, Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Zoe Saldana, Seth Rogen, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, Jonah Hill, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Victoria Justice, Rick Ross, Odd Future and JB Smoove.
Though voting is closed for Beyoncé's categories, fans can still vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com online or m.mtv.com on their mobile phones. In addition, Best New Artist text voting is open to all wireless carrier subscribers by texting BNA to 66333. Voting continues all the way through the show, until the winner is announced live on Sunday.
The 28th annual MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday, August 28, from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following the Selena Gomez-hosted pre-show at 8. See the list of nominees, revisit last year's highlights and vote for Best New Artist by visiting VMA.MTV.com.
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Captain America
Go see Captain America this weekend! Support our Colin!
I went to the premiere on Tuesday and it was the coolest thing ever. First, the movie is AMAZING and Chris Evans is a superstar. Second, there were so many damn people there it was insane. I have been to movie premieres in New York before and they were nothing like this. I mean, they closed down Hollywood Boulevard. I would've taken photos to show you, but the invite said to leave phones in the car. But here's a photo of me in my cool Captain America 3D glasses:
(Sit down, stop jumping around, it's an awesome picture, I know. And the quality is amazing. It's not grainy or reddish... it's perfect.) (No, it's not.)
(And you can totally see the Captain America logo on the side of the glasses.) (No, you can't.)
Anyway, Captain America is pulling a strong 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes right now so GO SEE IT! IT'S FANTASTIC!
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