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'Game Of Thrones' Battle Of Blackwater 'Off The Scale'

'They've spared no expense in making an awesome episode,' Richard Madden tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner


Richard Madden
Photo: MTV News

So, how about Sunday's episode of "Game of Thrones"? Have you recovered from all the fireworks? 'Twas a doozy, for sure. Thank goodness there is still one more episode left in this action-packed season.

Fans of George R.R. Martin's source material had an inkling of what to expect from the highly anticipated Battle of Blackwater, but the sheer spectacle of it all was something to behold, even for the actors who had prepared themselves for it.

"It was off the scale," star Richard Madden (a.k.a. Robb Stark) told MTV News of the production that went into the sequence. "I know in season one we started a battle and we saw the end of a battle, and I know some people weren't too pleased about that, but season two makes up for that and then some. They've spared no expense in making an awesome episode."

So, how many days did the cast and crew actually spend working on the battle? "Days and days and weeks," Madden said. "I know there was months of CGI work to get those episodes looking awesome. If you've read the books, you know what that battle entails: It's pretty visual, like a lot of George's stuff. I think people won't be disappointed."

Looking ahead to what's to come for the would-be king, we also asked Madden if he has read ahead to find out what's in store for his character.

"It's one of the things I try to avoid doing. I only read season by season: I don't read ahead," he explained. "It's one of the great things about the books that I loved is that you are constantly surprised by these characters and the story, and as an actor, I want to try and stick to that.

"I know if I read too far ahead, I'd start preempting character traits or decisions he makes," he continued. "I'd much rather be an actor and make one decision and stick to it and then have the challenge of turning it around and going in a different direction. I try and keep it like that as much as I can so the audience gets as surprised by the journey as I do when I read the books and when I read each script."

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Beyonce Serenades Michelle Obama, Cements Comeback In Atlantic City

Queen B ascends her throne during the second in a four-night run of Memorial Day weekend shows.
By Rebecca Thomas


Beyoncé performs in Atlantic City, NJ
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey — The "year of 4" continues.

Four months after giving birth to her first child — an arrival announced last August at the MTV VMAs — Beyoncé returned to the stage Saturday night, on the second of a four-night run in this East Coast resort city. And it was a spectacular fitting her rising icon status.

So what kinds of clues get 20somethings calling you "the greatest performer" of your generation? Well, it's in the details. For one, Revel, the sparkling, 6.3-million-square-foot beachfront destination that played host to Beyoncé's comeback, devoted a channel on its guest-room flat-screen TVs solely to B-related content: no weather broadcasts, nary a "Housewife" and no commercial breaks; just videos, all-star performances and more, all through Memorial Day weekend. It was evident in the distance traveled, too, with fans telling MTV News they'd made cross-country pilgrimages, while still others came from as far as Tokyo and South Africa to hail Queen B.

But those are just the hints, peripheral proof. The presence of First Lady Michelle Obama at last night's concert left little doubt that the little girl from Houston, who joined a girl group and then struck out on her own, had seen another benchmark in her relatively young career. After exchanging letters in recent months, with each calling the other a role model for girls, Obama turned up in a sleeveless green sheath waving like royalty from a balcony in Ovation Hall.

A little after 10 p.m., as the pounding opening march from "End of Time" kicked in, Beyoncé appeared in silhouette; the sequins were hard to make out but the wind-blown mane was impossible to miss. Finally, B, stunning in hot pink Stuart Weitzman heels and a beaded body suit, appeared on the massive stage backed by her dancers.

"Atlantic City, snap your fingers," she commanded, launching into "Love on Top." Without missing a step of the New Edition-inspired choreography, B powered through the song's modulations in an extended vocal showcase. Then she took an exaggerated pause, as if to catch her breath (or to bask in the adulation?), before belting out a final coda. The 30-year-old's comeback was officially under way.

Pushing through hits from her debut solo effort, including "Naughty Boy" and the dancehall-infused "Baby Boy," and Sasha Fierce smashes like "Diva," B defied all post-partum laws as she kept pace with Frank Gatson's acrobatic dance style. ("Y'all don't know how hard I had to work. I had to lose 60 pounds!" she laughed to the crowd later. "They had me eating lettuce.") And just as songs like "Single Ladies" and "Run the World (Girls)" are meant to serve as empowerment manuals for women, it became clear last night that Beyoncé's choreography is meant to do the same: a series of sensual quickstep moves that revolve around the hips and legs. It showed in the Fosse-style swing and formations on songs like "Get Me Bodied," and the strut-heavy footwork on "Freakum Dress."

"Sasha Fierce disappeared, but y'all bringing her back," B joked midway through the euphoric two-hour set.

For one of our favorite numbers, "Party," the 4 singer donned full-on showgirl regalia in a heady rendition that saw confetti coming from the roof and dice-shaped beach balls being tossed through the crowd as dancers in large feathered headdresses magically turned up in the aisles.

There were ballads, of course, at Ovation Hall, the more memorable among them a tribute to Whitney Houston and a cover of Lauryn Hill's classic "Ex Factor." And if Beyoncé reminded us of what we've lost in those gut-wrenching covers — she proved, too, that she's more than ready to carry the weight on her shoulders.

Share your reviews of Beyoncé's Revel shows in the comments!

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One Direction Keep Fans Screaming All Night On Tour

U.K. pop sensations hit New Jersey's IZOD Center for a sell-out show on Friday packed with hits and rocking covers.
By Sarah Brotherton


One Direction perform in East Rutherford, NJ
Photo: Uptin Saiidi/MTV News

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Maybe you've heard their songs on the radio or caught their TV performances on the "Today" show or "Saturday Night Live," but nothing quite captures the success of One Direction like the screams.

On Friday night, thousands of fans from across the Tri-State area hit the IZOD Center, filling the 19,000-capacity arena for the latest stop on the U.K. pop sensation's headlining, Stateside tour. They were there to experience a new wave of a British Invasion, and they weren't disappointed.

Even before the show started, there was an excitement and energy in the air as Directioners — young and old alike — rushed into the building wearing homemade T-shirts, carrying posters and sporting body paint declaring their love for their favorite 1D members, be it Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson or Harry Styles.

After two opening acts and a few warm-up songs, including Busta Rhymes and Run-DMC classics, One Direction finally hit the stage as the crowd jumped to its feet. Opening with " Na Na Na," the boys — dressed in the matching theme of red, white and blue, but each with their own signature touch — hit the harmonies hard. The concert followed a seasonal theme with corresponding video and costumes to match. A few songs in, Harry told the sell-out crowd, "I think this is our "biggest show" as a band!" which sent fans screaming all over again.

Veering from their chart-topping debut album, Up All Night, each 1D member took a shot at a solo cover of some of their favorite songs, including the Black Eyed Peas' "I Got a Feeling" and the Gym Class Heroes hit "Stereo Hearts." The boys then sat on stools as they serenaded fans with "Moments." Cell phone lights took the place of lighters as the audience sang every word of the ballad.

After a quick change into the next outfit (and the next season), 1D proceeded with some of their more popular hits, including "More Than This" and the album's title track, "Up All Night." The set soon moved onto the live-tweeting portion of the show, where fans tweeted questions from the audience to their favorite bandmember. Then Liam showed off some beat-boxing skills and Harry attempted to do the worm before the guys were back at it with another cover, this time the hit Kings of Leon song "Use Somebody."

To end the night, 1D gave a shout-out to their impressive backing band and closed with singles "One Thing" and, of course, their #1 hit "What Makes You Beautiful." But a perfect evening of hearty pop wouldn't be complete without an encore! So the boys returned to perform "I Want" to the delight of their devoted fans.

If you missed the 1D performance on Friday, fear not Directioners, a full list of U.S. tour dates is available on their official website.

Full Set List:
1. "Na Na Na"
2. "Stand Up"
3. "I Wish"
4. "I Got a Feeling"; "Stereo Hearts"; "Valerie"; "Torn"
5. "Moments"
6. "Gotta Be You"
7. "More Than This"
8. "Up All night"
9. "Tell Me a Lie"
10. "Everything About You"
11. "Use Somebody"
12. "One Thing"
13. "Save You Tonight"
14. "What Makes You Beautiful"
15: "I Want" (Encore)

Are you going to check out 1D on tour? Tell us in the comments!

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Nas' New Video Is Through His Daughter's Eyes

'This song for Nas is so personal, everything in the song is real,' director Chris Robinson tells MTV News about video, set to premiere Sunday.
By Rob Markman


Destiny Jones and Nas in his "Daughters" music video
Photo: Universal

Nas is notoriously private, but on his latest single, "Daughters," the Queensbridge Don gets pretty personal. He first rapped about baby Destiny Jones on his 1994 single "The World is Yours," but now Baby Des is a full-blown teenager, and in the video premiering Sunday on MTV Jams, he chronicles their daddy-daughter relationship through her eyes.

"Right off the bat, he really loved the idea of the P.O.V.," the video's director, Chris Robinson, told MTV News by phone Thursday.

Robinson, who has a 6-year-old daughter, said he got choked up the first time he heard the soul-bearing track, in which Nas admits to both his faults and disappointments as a dad. The track, which will appear on the rapper's upcoming Life is Good LP, immediately began to spark creative ideas for the veteran lens man — though the call to cast Destiny in the clip came from God's Son himself.

"I think that this song for Nas is so personal, everything in the song is real, that he wanted to share this moment with his fans, with the world, and it was actually his suggestion," Robinson revealed. "I was ready to cast someone, and he was real calm and said, 'Hey, Dest is gonna be here, I think we need to keep it real.' "

Though Nas is more famous than most dads, there are certain trials and tribulations that can't be eclipsed by money and fame. There are certain universal laws that all fathers face.

"You still can't escape the everyday things of your child growing up. You can be the king of Zamunda," Robinson said, referencing the fictional Africa country made famous in Eddie Murphy's 1988 comedy "Coming to America," "Or you can be a rapper, or you can be a regular guy with a regular job, but there are certain things that happen as a child grows. So, the concept of the video is that."

What do you think of Nas' "Daughters"? Let us know in the comments!

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Lil Wayne Releases Pusha T Dis 'Goulish'

Days following the release of a new Pusha T record, Tunchi responds to the Virgina native.


Photo: Daniel Boczarski/ Getty Images

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'Men In Black' Stars Pit Tommy Lee Jones Against Josh Brolin

'You gotta go with the original, and I just would not mess with Tommy,' director Barry Sonnenfeld tellsMTV News of which Agent K would win in a fight.
By Josh Wigler


Tommy Lee Jones in "Men In Black 3"
Photo: Columbia Pictures

NEW YORK — Even if the cast and crew of "Men in Black 3" can't exactly wrap their heads around time travel, the mind-boggling plot device was well worth executing if only for one reason: the creation of Young Agent K, played by Josh Brolin. The actor delivers a shockingly spot-on turn as a younger version of Tommy Lee Jones' iconic man in black, to the point that co-star Will Smith was "shocked" at Brolin's "amazing" work.

Brolin's incredible performance aside, however, it's widely believed among the "Men in Black" family that given the right circumstances, Jones' Agent K would kick the ever-loving slick out of Brolin's younger version. At the "Men in Black 3" red carpet in New York earlier this week, MTV News asked Smith, director Barry Sonnenfeld and more to weigh in on the hypothetical battle of the Ks, and the votes were almost unanimously in Jones' favor.

"At the end of the day I'm going to go with Tommy Lee Jones," said Sonnenfeld. "You gotta go with the original, and I just would not mess with Tommy. He knows some mean moves."

Smith agreed: "When Tommy Lee Jones comes up [to you], feel his arm. That's a cattle man right there. You don't want to creep up on Tommy Lee Jones."

But even as the odds-on favorite to win against his younger counterpart, Jones himself wasn't so sure of who would come out on top. Asked to weigh in on the theoretical clash, Jones was taken aback. "I don't know. I don't know how to answer a question like that."

With Jones unable to endorse his K over his '60s-era self, the stage was set for a Brolin comeback. Alice Eve was the first to cast her vote in the future "Oldboy" star's favor.

"Josh Brolin, obviously," she said. Even when it was pointed out that everyone else had thrown their support behind Jones, Eve remained committed to her pick. "I'm right. Have you met Brolin? Look at him!"

When it came time for Brolin to toss out his two cents on the K-on-K action, we expected him to stump for his version of the straight-laced alien-investigator. To our surprise, he sided with Smith and Sonnenfeld's opinion.

"Older K for sure," he grinned. "He's got the experience, he's got the moves, and he's got the look. I'm a dilettante compared to him."

Which Agent K would win in a fight, Brolin or Jones? Let us know in the comments section below! Check out everything we've got on "Men in Black 3."

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

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Rick Ross And Usher's 'Touch 'N You' Is For 'The Ladies'

Rozay and Usher talk to MTV News about the 'sexy' track from their video set in Atlanta.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by FLX


Rick Ross on the set of "Touch 'N You"
Photo: MTV News

God Forgives, but Rick Ross does not. Still, as apathetic as the Bawse may portray himself, Rozay has a sweet spot when it comes to the ladies. So on "Touch 'N You," the new big money single off of Ross' upcoming God Forgives, I Don't, the Maybach CEO and guest star Usher Raymond show a little love to the hunnies.

"It's a real sexy record. I wanted to make sure the ladies knew that they could be a part of this movement, a part of this project," Rick Ross told MTV News on Thursday (May 24) from the "Touch 'N You" video set in Atlanta. "I would never let the ladies down even if it's a real hard album or however it may be titled."

The upcoming clip is directed by Chris Robinson (Lil Wayne "How to Love," Jay-Z "Roc Boys") and will of course co-star Usher. "It's an incredible one, Chris once again comes together making an incredible video," Usher told us. "It is a conceptual video depicting the world that Rozay is in. My participation is just to show up and be cool."

Cool is an understatement when it comes to Usher, who is riding high off of his #1 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Song "Climax." Ross is no stranger to love songs either; he's given the ladies plenty to swoon over on singles like 2008's "Here I Am" and 2010's "Aston Martin Music," but having Ush on a track adds a certain appeal.

The combination of Raymond's vocals and the sexy "Touch 'N You" video should be just enough to help Rozay properly put his feelings in perspective. Sometimes after long studio sessions with Meek Mill, Wale and the rest of his MMG compadres, the Bawse just needs to get away, and that's what he aims to capture in the clip. "It's basically like a situation where life gets so hectic sometimes you just want to get away with that special female and that's what this was based off," he said.

What do you think of Rick Ross and Usher's "Touch 'N You"? Lets us know in the comments!

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Charlize Theron Not Too Hard On Herself As A New Mom

'[Jackson] doesn't understand anything right now, and so he just wants my face to look a certain way,' actress tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz


Charlize and Jackson Theron
Photo: Europa Press/Getty Images

Given Charlize Theron's colorful, always-entertaining personality, we never know quite what to expect from the actress (other than being consistently entertained by whatever she does in her films, interviews, etc.). We expect the unexpected from Theron. Nevertheless, when news broke that she had adopted a baby boy named Jackson in March, we were pleasantly surprised.

Theron has kept the details of the adoption private, but when MTV News caught up with her recently during the press day for "Snow White and the Huntsman," we asked her about the adjustment associated with first-time parenting and how she plans to keep her potty mouth under control in front of her son.

"A lot of people have sent me these children's books, and there's this amazing book, a best-seller [called] 'Go the F--- to Sleep.' This book was fantastic for me because it made me realize that I don't need to judge myself right now," Theron said of getting used to parenting.

"The whole book is just basically, 'Please, go the f--- to sleep.' [Jackson] doesn't understand anything right now, and so he just wants my face to look a certain way."

Although parenting is a full-time job, we're confident that Theron will figure out a way to be a terrific mother and continue to be a terrific actress. You can catch the Oscar-winner playing Evil Queen Ravenna in "Huntsman," which opens June 1.

Speaking of "Huntsman," don't forget to tune in to MTV and MTV.com for our extra-special Sneak Peek Week, which kicks off Tuesday (May 29) with a screening of "Huntsman" and a very special Q&A with stars Kristen Stewart and Sam Claflin.

Check out everything we've got on "Snow White and the Huntsman."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Drake's Says His Critics 'Let Me Know That I'm Relevant'

'It's important for me to let my fans know I really don't care. I'm confident,' Drake tells MTV News of how he deals with constant criticism.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway


Drake
Photo: MTV News

Drake understands that no artist is above criticism. So it's not that Drizzy doesn't hear his detractors, he just chooses to ignore them. At least that's what he told MTV News' Sway Calloway during a May 17 Club Paradise tour stop in Houston, Texas. "There will be days when I walk in an arena and people will cheer and then there might be days when I walk in an arena and people might boo, but it all sounds the same to me because it's all just noise that lets me know that I'm relevant," Drake said, sharing some words of wisdom that was given to him by boxing champ Floyd Mayweather.

"I don't get booed," Drizzy continued. "I don't face that. I mean he faces that challenge but my challenge is more with social media and open opinions and people just feeling like they need to talk."

Drake's music, and just about his every move, is dissected through the media as well as on Twitter and blogs. The fact that he sings as well as raps has made him a target for those looking to take away his hip-hop cred. Still, the "Headlines" MC remains one of rap's most successful draws today.

Common called him out the OVO general on "Sweet," a single from his 2011 album The Dreamer/The Believer. Many also believe that G.O.O.D Music's Pusha T has also been throwing subliminal jabs at Drake, first on last year's "Don't F--k With Me" freestyle, then on his "Sweet" freestyle. Pusha has gone on record saying that he wasn't dissing Drake and he actually likes the Toronto MC's music, but after Push dropped his new single "Exodus 23:1," speculation began to swirl that he was again taking aim and Drake and his mentor Lil Wayne. Weezy responded with a poignant tweet: "F--- pusha t and anybody that love em."

It is important to note that when he sat with Sway, Drake did not address Pusha T or any other rappers directly, but he did speak about his detractors in a very general sense. "It's important for me to let my fans know I really don't care. I'm confident," he said sternly. "I love the music I make and the videos I make and the people I associate with and every decision I've ever made."

For Drake, taking the stage on each stop of his Club Paradise Tour is all the assurance that he needs. "Just to let [fans] know that I don't care about anything else outside of this right here," he said from backstage at Houston's Toyota Center, referencing the army of fans waiting for him to perform. "That other stuff, hiding behind computers and yip-yapping all day on radio stations, it's like that's cool, man, for points and popularity, but at the end of the day, there is still 15,000 people here."

Have you seen Drake's Club Paradise show yet? Let us know in the comments!

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Linkin Park Do 'Everything At Once' On LIVING THINGS

LP's new album — due June 26 — sees them looking back, while still pushing the envelope forward.
By James Montgomery


Linkin Park's <i>LIVING THINGS</i>
Photo: Machine Shop Recordings/Warner Bros

As if the drastic left turn they took with 2010's A Thousand Suns wasn't proof enough, it should be fairly obvious at this point that Linkin Park have grown tired of doing things the traditional way. Rather, they're determined to blaze their own trail, which, given their standing as one of the hugest rock acts on the planet, is a certainly admirable — if not slightly questionable — way of operating.

And though the follow-up to the willfully dissonant Suns — LIVING THINGS (due June 26) — isn't quite as obtuse, it still finds the band experimenting with vastly different soundscapes, lyrical themes and recording techniques, simultaneously honing their focus and expanding their horizons. It is the rare record that both pays homage to the past while bolding looking forward, and needless to say, it's a head-spinning listen from start to finish. Though, as Linkin Park told MTV News during the premiere of their new "BURN IT DOWN" video, they prefer to think of it as just the next step.

"It's just really different [from anything we've done before]," Mike Shinoda said. "I feel like we made a serious effort to try and touch all of the bases of all of the different things that we've done, and bring them together in each song. Not just one album, but each song. And then maybe sprinkle in some stuff that we've never done before, too."

That's evident in first single "BURN," which recalls both LP's nu-metal past and their current experimental present ... or in standout tracks like "CASTLE OF GLASS" or "UNTIL IT BREAKS," sonic rattlers born out of the band's less-than-traditional methods of recording, and all the better because of it.

"Our writing process is a weird, amorphous thing. For some bands, just to put it in perspective, they jam, and then they write a song and then they record a song and then they mix it and finish it ... we don't do that," Shinoda laughed. "We do everything at once, every step of the way. From the moment we're putting things down on the laptop, I'm already kind of mixing it a little bit [and] sometimes those things end up being songs, like 'CASTLE OF GLASS,' [where] my vocal performance in the first part of that song, pretty much almost everything you hear in the beginning of the song was the very first demo. Like, that went from nothing there, to those things, and then the song got built.

"Some songs we'll come up with demos, and they won't ever turn into anything ... we'll hear them, and we'll know they're not ever going to be a great song on their own," he continued. "But there may be a section of it, a little glimmer of cool something in it, and the song 'Until It Breaks' is built from just those. There were like four demos that we had made that weren't going anywhere individually, but when you put them all together, they make something really interesting. It's supposed to feel really jarring and weird, and for me it was a really fun song to make."

So yes, while LIVING THINGS does represent a return to the band's thundering past, it is also very much a snapshot of the band in 2012, still at the peak of their powers, still melding seemingly disparate sounds and influences, and pushing the envelope whenever possible. By whatever means necessary.

"Just because you see Brad [Delson] playing a guitar on stage, doesn't mean he just writes guitar on the album. A lot of times, especially on this record, more often than not, he wasn't playing guitar," Shinoda said. "But regardless of who played what, in our band, that's not important. It's more about everybody's got a voice, and everybody's got an influence on the song, and if one guy's not really happy with something, then we try to address it."

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Katy Perry Hits Water Park In New 'Part Of Me' Clip

'When we have a day off, she always likes me to explore something fun with her,' sister Angela Hudson says of Katy in upcoming film.
By James Dinh


Katy Perry in the trailer for "Part Of Me"
Photo: Imagine Entertainment

's 3-D docu-concert "Part of Me" will showcase the darker side of the pop darling's roller-coaster ride to fame, including her divorce from Russell Brand.

Still, there will be tons of fun thrown in the mix. In between scenes from her 2011 worldwide California Dreams trek, the July 5 film will also feature footage of the singer's family, including a water-park outing with her sister.

In an almost minute-long teaser clip from the film, Katy's older sister, Angela Hudson, talks about how she grew up promising to work with Katy "when she made it big." In between takes of the duo in choir and backstage at concert halls, Angela explains, "My sister, not only does she work hard on tour, but she likes to play hard on tour.

"Anytime we go to a city when we have a day off, she always likes me to explore something fun with her," she continues.

With her hit "Firework" serving as appropriate background music, KatyCats catch a glimpse of the Perry sisters basking in the adventures of a water park. But what would any amusement park be without a little action-ride anxiety? Asked how she's feeling before going on a bungee-jumping ride, the pop star responds, "I feel great. I'm really, really excited about my sister, who is scared of heights."

Unfortunately, Angela doesn't appear to enjoy the ride as much as Katy thought she would, as the older sis offers cameras a frown.

MTV News recently caught up with Perry at the Pepsi Fleet Week "Part of Me" Concert, where the patriotically-dressed songstress told us about how deep the film will take fans.

"It's the most intimate I've ever been. I mean that in a non-sexual way ... I mean it in a vulnerable way," she explained. "And so I'm not scared of it because I think it's important for me, and important these days, for people to not think people in my position are perfect and that if they want to achieve this type of dream or achieve a goal that they have to be flawless. They don't."

What do you think of the new "Part of Me" clip? Share your opinion in the comment section!

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Nicki Minaj Asks Fans To Vote For Next Roman Reloaded Singles

Young Money honey posted three different singles polls on her website on Thursday.
By James Dinh


Nicki Minaj's <i>Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded</i>
Photo: Universal

It's only been a little more than a week since Nicki Minaj dropped the clip for her Chris Brown collabo "Right by My Side," but everyone's favorite Harajuku Barbie is continuing her Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded takeover and needs a little help in selecting her new singles. On Thursday night, Minaj's website revealed three polls with various options from the sophomore effort.

With Roman Reloaded crossing hip-hop and pop genres, Barbz and Kenz have quite a few Minaj stylings to select as their ideal singles. While the first race is between the more mellow pop cuts on the LP ("Marilyn Monroe," "Fire Burns," "Young Forever" and "Gun Shot"), the second battle includes tracks that bring out the rapper's harder alter ego Roman ("Champion," "HOV Lane" and "I Am Your Leader"). In the last poll, head Barbie has pitted three of her dance anthems against each other ("Pound the Alarm," "Whip It" and "Va Va Voom").

Shortly after the website posting, Minaj also took to Twitter to urge Team Minaj to sound off in the fun, writing, "Take the poll!!! And leave your comments. Gonna read them now." At press time, "Marilyn Monroe," "Champion" and "Va Va Voom" appeared to have the majority of votes.

Barbz and Kenz have plenty of reason to be excited, as they've been flooded with a string of new singles all year long. Even before the LP hit stores, they were treated to the frenetic "Stupid Hoe," which saw the Young Money honey taking a cluster of jabs at Lil' Kim.

Strategically releasing cuts to appease her growing fanbase, Minaj went on to the album's lead single, "Starships," a RedOne-produced number that was clearly catered to the Top 40 dance craze. And as predicted, the magic worked when the song peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot 100. Soon after, the femcee balanced out the pop tune with the release of her ode to strippers, "Beez in the Trap." Most recently, Minaj released the visual for her Chris Brown-assisted R&B jam "Right by My Side," which also features a cameo love interest by none other than Nas.

Regardless of the poll winners, Minaj is already performing many of the cuts on her worldwide Pink Friday Tour, which will hit the States in July. Laurieann Gibson, who serves as the raptress' choreographer, spoke to MTV News recently about the trek, revealing that it's something she's "really, really proud of."

"I love [when] I heard Roman Reloaded. I loved her delivery. I love the way she flows," Gibson told MTV News. "So the Pink Friday Tour is really good and it's kind of like a glimpse back to what a real rap show is. It's intimate but big at the same time."

What do you want Nicki's next singles to be? Tell us your suggestions below.

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Robert Pattinson: Working With 'Cosmopolis' Director Was 'A Relief'

Actor reveals how he prepared for his role in the David Cronenberg film at a Cannes Film Festival press conference.
By Fallon Prinzivalli


Robert Pattinson at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival
Photo: AFP

Director David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis" received mixed reviews after its debut at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival on Friday (May 25). Critics were split on whether they felt Robert Pattinson was right for the lead role. Some felt his performance was bland, but others thought he nailed the part, fitting well into the director's vision.

During a press conference for the film, Pattinson explained why he and Cronenberg work well together, chalking it up to Cronenberg's careful direction.

"If [a director's] sitting on the set, a bunch of people will ask you questions all the time," he said. "And then a lot of directors, I find, are kind of exhausted by the time they're actually supposed to do their job with the actors. They're not really listening anymore. I think David is listening so intently when you're doing a scene. ... When you feel something in a scene, you know that he's seen it, which is such a relief. And it makes you actually pay attention to what you're doing as well."

Cronenberg also made Pattinson aware of different camera angles and how the placement of cameras can greatly affect his performance.

"I think a lot of directors and actors refuse to accept anything about camera technique," Pattinson continued. "[Cronenberg was] completely frank about it and [said], 'Listen, if I put a camera here, it's going to totally affect the way you perform.' And it really did, the blocking was like direction, which I never really experienced before."

"Cosmopolis" follows Eric Packer (Pattinson) in a futuristic New York City. As he's chauffeured through Manhattan on his way to get a haircut, the world is falling apart around him — protestors are rioting, his marriage is failing, his vast financial status is declining and he soon discovers clues that reveal an attempt on his life.

When asked how he prepared for the taxing role, Pattinson told the audience he spent a lot of the time concerned over how his performance would come together. "I kind of spent two weeks in my hotel room worrying and confusing myself. And I remember the weekend before shooting, I called David — because we had no rehearsals — to talk to him about it. [I said,] 'I just wanted to sort of ask one question,' " he recalled, mimicking his timid tone. "He said, 'Do you want to talk about the movie for a second?' So I went to his house and I think he just said that it doesn't really matter: 'Let's just start and something will happen.' "

Worrying aside, Pattinson found a way to bring his character to life. He didn't improvise scenes and he didn't change any of the lines. He stuck to the script and followed Cronenberg's vision for his character as it was laid out in front of him.

"I think [Eric Packer's] impossible to approach like you would a normal character," he said. "What I liked about the script initially was its lyricism and just the rhythms of it. Normally when you do a movie, you can kind of blur the lines and make it your own. But with this, I didn't want to change a single word, even the punctuation. That made it easier, it's like you're doing a song instead of a movie. It freed you up. If you're trying to do something in a cerebral way, it becomes about ego and it's silly at that point."

Did Pattinson find similarities between himself and his character?

"I do think people are trying to kill me all the time," he joked.

Check out everything we've got on "Cosmopolis."

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

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Beyonce's 'Back To Business' With Memorial Day Concerts

'Yes, I had a baby, but it just made me more grounded,' singer says in behind-the-scenes video.
By James Dinh


Beyoncé
Photo: Getty Images

Time is ticking. It's only a matter of hours until Beyoncé makes her post-Blue Ivy Carter performance comeback with her string of Memorial Day weekend shows at Atlantic City's recently launched Revel entertainment center. And with anticipation high, the pop titan is giving her fans a small taste of the behind-the-scenes action it took to transition back to her stage show ways.

In the first of a two-part video montage segment that was posted on the singer's website, Queen B is seen working hard almost two months prior to the gigs on everything from choreography to show concept and vocal rehearsing.

Despite admitting a few nerves and her inclusion in the pop-star-turned-mom club, Beyoncé remained adamant about her return to the stage, "I'm enjoying being a mother, so it's like going back to my old job. It's a little strange, but it's important that you don't lose yourself and have your own passions. I'm back to work. I'm back to business."

It's the first of many candid moments in which the singer opens up and allows camera lenses to document the planning of the concerts. And by the looks of it, the chart-topper will be giving it her all. At one point, Beyoncé is seen sitting on the floor with her crew of dancers conceptualizing the event. "What I'm trying to say with the show ... yes, I had a baby, but it just made me more grounded," she says.

In comparison to her intimate four-night affair at New York's Roseland Ballroom in August 2011, the Revel shows are expected to be much more of a grand spectacle, with high-tech LED, intense choreography and video backdrops.

Positivity goes a long way, as her choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. co-signs the singer's intent to create a stellar event. "I think this show has the potential to be one of the greatest shows we've done. People, re-sit and listen to Beyoncé, we will have a brilliant show at Revel," he said.

Will you be seeing Beyoncé in concert this Memorial Day weekend? Tell us in the comments!

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Questlove Wants Pete Rock To Reconsider Fiasco With Lupe

'I'm glad that Lupe did it,' Questlove tells MTV News of Lupe Fiasco's 'T.R.O.Y' sample on his new single 'Around My Way.'
By Rob Markman


Questlove
Photo: MTV News

Lupe Fiasco took on a ton of criticism this week when he sampled Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" on his new single, "Around My Way," but Questlove is in full support of the Chicago MC.

"I would hope that Pete would reconsider his position because it's clearly an homage to his legacy," the Roots drummer told MTV News on Wednesday.

After Fiasco dropped his new single on Tuesday, Pete Rock took to Twitter to chastise Lu and the song's producers for remaking the song, which he and CL Smooth released back in 1992 as a dedication to their fallen friend and Heavy D & the Boyz group member Troy "Trouble T" Dixon.

"I'm not flattered @ all. Dat sh-- is wack, and the producer should be ashamed of his f---in self. Smh," he wrote.

On Thursday, a livid Lu phoned into MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway's "Sway in the Morning" radio show and revealed that he didn't actually sample Pete Rock's 1992 "Reminisce," but instead crafted his track from Tom Scott's 1967 jazz record "Today." But he was, in fact, attempting to honor the famed hip-hop producer and Questlove believes that's a good thing.

"I'm certain that people will know that's 'T.R.O.Y.' by Pete Rock and CL Smooth and it will seem familiar to them, and that will give Pete the 20-year resurgence and boost that naturally comes with this type of music," the Roots maestro reasoned. "I'm glad that Lupe did it because as a DJ, sometimes it's hard to convince people that are younger than the music that you're spinning that this is worth dancing to.

"I think it's a good thing. He'll get over it," Questlove said.

What are your thoughts on Lupe Fiasco's "Around My Way"? Let us know in the comments.

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'Mob Wives' Drita And Carla Read 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'

'What is this? This is dirty!' Drita D'Avanzo exclaims after reciting a passage of 'Fifty Shades' for MTV News.
By Rob Markman


"Mob Wives" star Drita D'Avanzo
Photo: MTV News

Filth or sensual fan fiction? It's impossible not to have an opinion on E L James' erotic New York Times best-seller "Fifty Shades of Grey." Single ladies, girlfriends and housewives have all been drawn to the steamy novel — not to mention "Mob Wives." VH1 reality star Carla Facciolo hasn't read the current "it" book, but she gets the gist of it.

"To me, it's like a sex book," she told MTV News in an attempt to describe the "50 Shades" phenomenon. "Grey is a guy that every girl wants; he's like a dream guy and he seduces."

Carla's synopsis was enough to whet the appetite of her "Mob Wives" pal Drita D'Avanzo, who immediately let her curiosity get the best of her. "I wanna read it," Drita blurted out.

Lucky for the reality-show beauty, MTV News had a copy of the book on hand for her to sample. "It's very intense," Carla warned.

Still, Drita opened the book and began her moment of "Fifty Shades" discovery. "Get off the bed, stand over here," D'Avanzo read from one of the book's later chapters, in which playboy Christian Grey introduces his naive lover Anastasia Steele to a kinky sexual experience. "He holds out his hand and in his palm are two shiny balls linked with a thick, black thread," Drita continued to read before she stopped herself, shocked by the sexual suggestiveness.

"What the f--- is this?" Drita questioned in her unmistakable Staten Island, New York, accent. "They're ass beads? What is this? This is dirty — what the hell is this?"

"Fifty Shades" wasn't Drita's cup of tea, but maybe she will change her mind when the book is adapted into a film (Universal Pictures has already secured the rights). "How do you even know about this, Carla?" she asked, chastising her buddy. "You, for even knowing about that book, I gotta think twice about you."

Carla had only one reasonable explanation: "It's the hottest book out right now."

Filth or sexy fan fiction? What do you think of "Fifty Shades of Grey"? Let us know in the comments!



Robert Pattinson's 'Cosmopolis': The Cannes Reviews Are In!

Critics are split on whether the 'Twilight' actor was the right casting choice.
By Fallon Prinzivalli


Robert Pattinson at Cannes Film Fest
Photo: AFP

After supporting his girlfriend Kristen Stewart as she debuted "On the Road," Robert Pattinson hit the Cannes Film Festival on Friday (May 25) to premiere his film "Cosmopolis." Directed by David Cronenberg, the film follows Eric Packer (Pattinson) in the not-too-distant future as he's chauffeured through Manhattan on his way to get a haircut. His entire world is falling apart — his marriage is failing, his financial status is slipping and even his very life is being threatened.

As reviews of the film pour in, it's apparent that critics agree the film has its odd moments, but they're split on whether Pattinson is the perfect choice for the lead role. Here's what the critics had to say about "Cosmopolis."

The Story
" 'Cosmopolis,' an adaptation of Don DeLillo's typically provocative novel of the same name, is the first feature film since 1999's 'eXistenZ' that filmmaker David Cronenberg has directed and scripted. This in part explains why 'Cosmopolis' is such a triumph: it's both an exceptional adaptation and a remarkable work unto itself.

Cronenberg makes slight but salient changes to DeLillo's source narrative. These changes, which are best described by one character as 'slight variation[s],' prove that Cronenberg's given serious consideration to what should and shouldn't be represented in his adaptation of the author's ruminative, conversation-driven narrative. For example, in Cronenberg's film, Eric Packer (a surprisingly adequate Robert Pattinson), an ambivalent and self-destructive power broker, does not get to have sex with his wife like he's wanted to do throughout DeLillo's book. Other changes, like the fact that Packer is investing and studying the steady rise in the Chinese yuan in the film and not the Japanese yen, as in the book, are equally striking. These differences noticeably enrich DeLillo's original story, making Cronenberg's 'Cosmopolis' that much more rewarding in its own dizzying way." — Simon Abrams, Indiewire

Robert Pattinson
"On the page and on film, Eric is a controlled and controlling figure, a man impervious to society's norms who one must feel has a mind operating well beyond the capacities of mere mortals. He's utterly humorless and without detectable compassion or accessible humanity, which makes him less than companionable as a character. Pattinson doesn't help matters by revealing nothing behind the eyes and delivering nearly all his lines with the same rhythm and intonations, plus repetitive head nods in the bargain. It's a tough character that perhaps a young Jeremy Irons could have made riveting, but Pattinson is too bland and monotonous to hold the interest." — Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

"After 'Water for Elephants' it remains to be seen whether Pattinson's teen following really is willing to follow him anywhere. But 'Cosmopolis' does prove that he has the chops, and he parlays his cult persona beautifully into the spoiled, demanding Packer, a man so controlling and ruthless that only he has the power to ruin himself. Lean and spiky — with his clean white shirt he resembles a groomed Sid Vicious — Pattinson nails a difficult part almost perfectly." — Damon Wise, Empire Online

The Details
"There are other cast members who do an excellent idea of wrapping their heads around DeLillo's big ideas and Cronenberg's indirect dialogue — Juliette Binoche and Samantha Morton, Mathieu Almaric and Paul Giamatti — and the music, by Metric, supplies the right kind of spiky, sensuous unease for a man driven across town and driven to self-destruction. The film's cynicism is both majestic and well-earned; at one point, Eric notes '... nobody hates the rich ... everybody thinks they're ten seconds away from being rich.' A chilly, crisp and crystal-shard sharp satire of our money-crazed world, 'Cosmopolis' takes us on a limo ride through the collapse of modern society: We're not behind the wheel for this ride, but rest assured, in the end, we're going to have to get out and pay for it." — James Rocchi, MSN.com

The Final Word
"[R]ather than a thriller, 'Cosmopolis' plays more like a wispy film of ideas, with conversations in the limo about society, wealth and humanity dominating most of the screen time. Almost all of these feel detached and meticulously unfocused. Characters toss around ideas or questions, which their conversation partner then promptly ignores or responds to with a non-sequitur. It's often reminiscent of work by playwright/screenwriter Harold Pinter, but never quite as fun, nor nearly as humorous as it should be. ... Cronenberg has still made an odd, uncompromising and occasionally brilliant film of his own, one which is well worth seeing if only for the deft way Cronenberg finds an emotional arc in such an inhuman world. Or else to see how perfectly Pattinson's performance suits the director." — Brian Clark, Twitch

Check out everything we've got on "Cosmopolis."

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

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Lady Gaga Won't Tone Down Indonesian Concert Despite Protests

Gaga's manager says if show goes on, it will be played 'as it is,' despite threats of violence from Islamic groups in Jakarta.
By James Montgomery


Lady Gaga
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

Lady Gaga's June 3 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, has already drawn protests — and threats of violence — from Islamic groups within the nation, who say her risqué Born This Way Ball promotes promiscuity and homosexuality. But according to Gaga's manager, she has no plans to tone down her act.

While speaking at the annual Music Matters conference in Singapore on Thursday, Troy Carter addressed the ongoing controversy over the June 3 concert, saying that Gaga would not bow to pressure and perform a censored version of the show.

"We play the show as it is, it's a very specific show to a very specific audience," Carter said, according to Singapore's Straits Times newspaper. "Truth be told, she's not up there nude, she's not doing anything provocative for the sake of being provocative."

Early reports had Gaga canceling the show at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium after Indonesia's national police denied her a permit, citing concerns over threats from Islamic hard-liners and the nature of Gaga's performance. Gaga herself addressed the issue earlier this week via Twitter, explaining, "The Jakarta situation is 2-fold: Indonesian authorities demand I censor the show & religious extremists separately are threatening violence. ... If the show goes on as scheduled, I will perform the BTWB alone."

Indonesian police demand that before a permit can be issued, promoters for the show must ensure Gaga is "dressed appropriately and does not violate the cultural norms in this country," according to the Agence France-Presse news service. And several of the country's top Islamic groups, including the National Ulema Council and the more militant Islamic Defenders Front, have protested her performance, calling it "blasphemous" and threatening to "create havoc" if the concert goes ahead as planned.

During his Music Matters speech, Carter said that he was still in negotiations with the Indonesian police in the hopes of obtaining a permit for the show. He added that at this time he does not know whether the concert will take place as scheduled.

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No Doubt Set To Return At 2012 Teen Choice Awards

Band will perform at the July 22 show, marking their first performance in nearly three years.
By James Montgomery


No Doubt's Gwen Stefani
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

No Doubt are putting the finishing touches on their first album in more than a decade (we still don't know what it's called, but we do know it'll be in stores September 25), and now, they've announced their return to the stage: July 22, at the Teen Choice Awards.

The band broke the news via their Twitter account, writing, "You may have heard the rumors ... and yes, we will be performing on the Teen Choice Awards in July!"

At the moment, No Doubt are the only artists confirmed to play the TCAs, which air July 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. It also marks their first performance since wrapping a summer tour with Paramore in 2009 and a pair of Bridge School benefit shows in October of the same year.

In recent months, there's been an uptick in activity on the follow-up to 2001's Rock Steady album, which No Doubt have been working on in earnest since 2008. Sessions for the new album have been helmed by producer Mark "Spike" Stent, and the band has been keeping fans updated on developments through Twitter and with in-studio videos. The first of those videos shows ND polishing a Diplo and Switch track called "Push and Shove" and, according to their tweets, other new tunes include "Undone" and "Heaven."

Last summer, Rolling Stone got an advance listen to a handful of songs from the album, including "Settle Down" and "One More Summer." It's not known if those tunes will end up making the final cut for the still-untitled album.

Are you excited for No Doubt to get back onstage again? Tell us in the comments!

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'Dark Knight Rises' Footage To Debut During MTV Movie Awards!

Director Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman will present the footage on Sunday, June 3.
By Kara Warner


Christian Bale in "The Dark Knight Rises"
Photo: Warner Bros.

Not to toot our own horn, but since their inception in 1991 the MTV Movie Awards have proven to be one of the hippest parties in town. Not only is the annual event a major draw for the who's who in Hollywood, via the A-list nominees, presenters and performers, but there are always a few unexpected surprises and special sneak peeks from Hollywood's most anticipated upcoming releases.

We are proud to announce that this year's live broadcast will feature the debut of exclusive new footage from one of the summer's most highly anticipated movies, "The Dark Knight Rises." And if that's not exciting enough, the film's writer/director Christopher Nolan and stars Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman will be on hand to introduce the never-before-seen footage. If you've been following the news surrounding Nolan's third and very likely final Batman film, you know that plot details have been kept under lock and key, so any chance to see anything new from the film ahead of its July 20 release is definitely cause for celebration.

MTV also announced Thursday (May 24) that "Magic Mike" stars Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey have been added to the impressive lineup of presenters, which also includes: Adam Sandler, Emma Watson, Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Mila Kunis and Mark Wahlberg. In addition, chart-topping indie-pop group fun. and rapper Wiz Khalifa are set to perform.

MTV fans hold the "Power of the Popcorn" in their hands, with voting available online via MovieAwards.MTV.com through Saturday, June 2. As always, voting for Movie of the Year will remain open throughout the live show Sunday, June 3.

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

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