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'Lost' Finale Advice: The Stars Of 'Fringe' Are Of Two Minds On Preparation

Posted 5/19/10 2:35 pm EST by in Television


I like "Fringe" a lot. I might like stars John Noble and Joshua Jackson even more. And don't tell Josh this, but I think I may like John the best. It seems that John, who plays wacky genius Walter Bishop every week on Fox's sci-fi procedural "Fringe," is a bit concerned about the advice his TV son Joshua gave me recently.

Being that they are on "Fringe" (a J.J. Abrams joint) and being that "Lost" (also a J.J. Abrams joint, for those who didn't know) will take its final bow this weekend, I wanted them to explain the latter to me, because I haven't seen a single second of the show. Why? So that I can watch it on Sunday (which I probably won't since Josh gave terrible advice) and have some idea of what's going on.

Josh advised I watch all six seasons of the show from now (or from Monday when I spoke to them at the Fox upfronts — already I am failing!) straight through to Sunday (May 23) when the "Lost" series finale airs. John, my noble friend, seemed sincerely worried for me. He didn't think I should do that. He felt like it may have been a task too large for me to handle. "That's six seasons!" he said. "When is she going to find the time to watch six seasons?"

Anyways, not that I'm planning on doing it or anything, but like John, I think this is a bad idea. But Josh has given me a free pass to take off from work the next few days to watch the show. So if I'm missing, give Josh a call. He's to blame for my absence.

We're celebrating the long-awaited conclusion of "Lost" all this week at MTV News! We'll be bringing you exclusive interviews, insightful commentary and, in true "Lost" fashion, maybe even a surprise or two. Head over to the MTV Movies Blog, where our "Lost" Awards continue all this week, and make sure to tune in on Sunday night for our series finale live blog!

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Spotted: Demi Lovato And Joe Jonas Visit 'In The Heights'

Posted 5/19/10 1:30 pm EST by in Music


Every day a multitude of stars wander through the halls of MTV News to talk about their latest projects and goof around with our intrepid correspondents. But sometimes we catch stars elsewhere, and that's why we put together Spotted!, a daily compendium of stars in the wild.

It's going to be a busy summer for Demi Lovato. She'll be heading out on tour with the Jonas Brothers in celebration of "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," which will premiere on the Disney Channel in September. She has been making the rounds with the Jonas Brothers to promote the tour (they were on "Good Morning America" last week and they also sat down with MTV News' Jocelyn Vena yesterday; stay tuned to MTV News for all the great moments from that interview), and she took some time out on Tuesday (May 18) to catch up with fellow Disney Channel-bred star Corbin Bleu on the set of Broadway's "In the Heights," in which Bleu currently stars. With boyfriend Joe Jonas at her side, she caught up with Bleu and met some other members of the cast and crew while touring the set.

Lovato, Jonas and Bleu weren't the only stars on the outside, as a multitude of celebrities continued to party at the Cannes Film Festival and Jennifer Lopez stole the show at the World Music Awards in Monaco. Click here for these photos as well as the entire "Spotted!" archive, which includes over 350 candid shots of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera and Adam Lambert!

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Diddy Reinvents Hip-Hop For 'Popology'

Posted 5/19/10 12:30 pm EST by in Music


They say a well-rounded education is the key to success, and if that truly is the case, the my schooling is woefully incomplete when it comes to the subject of pop. That's why we bring you "Popology," the guide to modern radio-friendly stars as seen through the eyes of a guy who grew up on punk and metal. In case you missed previous installments, catch up with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and the Spice Girls here.

In this week's installment, Puff Daddy brings rap to the radio.

In today's musical landscape, it's easy to take hip-hop for granted as a force on pop radio. There have been crossover hits as long as there have been DJs cutting up breakbeats and MCs spitting rhymes. And while pop radio readily embraces rap songs that have no aspirations to be pop tunes (the current Billboard chart-topping single is Eminem's "Not Afraid," which barely has a chorus), that wasn't always the case. A crossover hit usually had to have some kind of gimmick, like a wacky guest star or a collaboration with a more established pop star or rock band. But at some point in the '80s, Sean Combs (known now as Diddy, known then as Puff Daddy) decided that the best way to get his songs on the radio was to use actual songs that had already been on the radio. Thus hip-pop was born, and the prodigal son was Puffy's No Way Out.

Released in 1997 in the wake of the death of the Notorious B.I.G. (who haunts the album in the form of a handful of guest spots and one famous tribute), No Way Out was supposed to be Combs' coming out party as a multi-talented force in modern rap music. Originally called Hell Up in Harlem, it was designed for maximum impact for both himself and the rest of his Bad Boy Records roster (including Mase, Faith Hill, Lil' Kim, Black Rob, the LOX and 112). But after Biggie died, it morphed into a much heavier affair, and the tribute "I'll Be Missing You" became the centerpiece. Songs like "What You Gonna Do?" that probably just sounded tough ended up sounding eerie and conflicted because of Biggie's passing.

Despite all that, No Way Out became a gigantic hit, spawning a handful of massive singles that blanketed the radio for the next year. But does it work as a rap album or a pop record?

Actually, yes. Read More...

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Why 'American Idol' Needs To Retire 'Hallelujah' As Soon As Possible

Posted 5/19/10 11:30 am EST by in Music, Television


Here's the thing you should know right from the beginning: Lee DeWyze's performance of Leonard Cohen's immortal "Hallelujah" was totally acceptable. It probably didn't need the choir and the smoke machine and the histrionics (it's a pretty epic tune on its own), but it wasn't the most offensive thing in the universe. It was perfectly fine. But it really drove home a key point that needs to be taken into consideration as the show moves forward: "Hallelujah" needs to be retired, and fast.

It's not that it isn't a lovely song. In fact, it's totally gorgeous and sounds really good in a lot of different registers. As songwriting goes, it's pretty close to perfect. But that's just the problem, as too many people are able to make it sound too good. Think about it: Even before "American Idol" first premiered, there had already been three iconic versions of the song: Cohen's original, the Jeff Buckley cover and the Rufus Wainwright version that appears in the first "Shrek." Most songs have only a single version that can be called definitive, and only occasionally is there a second. As a song, "Hallelujah" is versatile.

Of course, it also has a history on "American Idol." The tune has appeared a total of three times on the show (and twice this season). The definitive "Idol" version belongs to Jason Castro, who absolutely killed it back in season seven and delivered one of the best "Idol" performances of all time. Earlier this season, Tim Urban tried his hand at the song (acquitting himself relatively well) and DeWyze brought it back last night (at the behest of judge Simon Cowell). No performance moving forward will top Castro's, but there will also never be a bad version of it. Singing "Hallelujah" proves absolutely nothing, which is why it should be permanently banned from competition.

Here's the thing: If contestants really want to deliver a touching tune by a singer-songwriter, both Cohen and Buckley have other songs available (though Cohen, of course, has a lot more than Buckley). Cohen's "Suzanne" has a lovely melody and plenty of pathos, while his "Famous Blue Raincoat" contains the same gentle sweeps as "Hallelujah." Want to pay tribute to Buckley? Strap on "Love, You Should Have Come Over" or "Forget Her." You know what else is available? Songs from every other singer-songwriter. Explore some Tom Waits or Pete Yorn, kids.

So in addition to all of the other songs that should be immediately retired from "American Idol," let's put "Hallelujah" in a box for good.

Do you think "Hallelujah" should be retired? What other songs on "American Idol" should be put to bed? Let us know in the comments!

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Isis Break Up, Leave A Giant Hole In The Metal World

Posted 5/19/10 10:15 am EST by in Music


It has been a rough week for the metal world. On Sunday (May 16), headbangers around the world came together in mourning for Ronnie James Dio, the iconic legend who passed away at the age of 67. Dio's death resonated deeply in the metal community, with tributes coming from all angles (the most recent of which came in concert form care of both Pearl Jam and Kiss). And though the latest news doesn't involve anything as sad as a death, it does mean the end of one of the best bands on the planet.

On Tuesday (May 18), post-metal monsters Isis announced to the world that they were calling it quits. "In the interest of preserving the love we have of this band, for each other, for the music made and for all the people who have continually supported us, it is time to bring it to a close," the band announced in a statement. "We've seen too many bands push past the point of a dignified death and we all promised one another early on in the life of the band that we would do our best to ensure Isis would never fall victim to that syndrome. We've had a much longer run than we ever expected we would and accomplished a great deal more than we ever imagined possible."

The band has had one of the most unique and complicated sounds since their formation in Boston in 1997. While the roots of their specific style can be found in traditional metal, the band members brought in elements from a number of different subgenres (prog, noise, sludge and black metal) as well as elements of classical music and Philip Glass-esque post-modernism. Rather than pound out savage riffs, Isis was happy to explore the nuances of dark sounds and build around themes (not unlike their contemporaries and occasional collaborators in Tool). To listen to their discography is to trace the evolution and advancement of metal over the past decade, and their 2009 opus Wavering Radiant is one of the best musical artifacts of the past decade.

The band will finish up all the shows slated for what will become their final tour (including a stop at Bonnaroo) and will play their final show on June 23 in Montreal (the same city where they had their first show way back in '97). They have promised a final EP, and though the metal world is losing a pack of visionaries, their music will live on. Wavering Radiant really needs to be absorbed as a whole, but the epic "20 Minutes/ 40 Years" is a good place to start.

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Kane Sees No Evil: Wake-Up Video

Posted 5/19/10 9:15 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


It's no secret that there are a healthy handful of professional wrestling fans here in the MTV Newsroom. And as regular watchers of sports entertainment, we can safely say that not everything always works. That being said, there are the occasional angles that are incredibly effective. Such was the case in 2006 when WWE wrestler Kane was set to star in his first film, a slasher flick called "See No Evil."

As a build-up to the release of the movie (the first theatrical release for WWE Films), the on-screen character Kane became obsessed with a specific date. In storyline, it was the date that something horrible happened to him (Kane's backstory suggests that he was burned as a child, possibly by his on-screen brother the Undertaker). In reality, the date was simply the release date of the film. That date? May 19.

Kane, a heel, didn't want people talking about that date, which of course lead audiences to constantly chant it at him during shows. It was an ingenious marketing technique, as every time Kane was on screen, "May 19" would immediately resonate throughout the crowd. It was impossible for anybody watching not to know when "See No Evil" hit theaters, and it was so effective that it's still the first thing the wrestling fans in the MTV Newsroom think about whenever this date rolls around.

In the film, Kane plays a character named Jacob Goodnight, a deranged killer who was abused as a child and hangs out in an abandoned hotel so he can kill unsuspecting teens and steal their eyeballs. As a tribute to Kane and the above-average slasher that is "See No Evil" (totally worth a Netflix, by the way), check out Korn's "Blind," a nice little bit of rage to get you over the hump.

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'American Idol' Recap: The Top Three Duke It Out For A Spot In The Finale

Posted 5/19/10 8:15 am EST by in Music, Television


Tuesday (May 18) was "Make Sure Casey Doesn't Have A Chance To Ruin Our Plans For A Lee/Crystal Finale" night on "American Idol." Actually, it was "Judges' Choice/Contestant's Choice," a scary evening when Randy isn't allowed to say, "For me for you for me for you, I wasn't feeling the song choice" since he had a hand in picking it. I hope he's well rested. I wouldn't want him to pop a blood vessel from being forced to come up with an original idea.

With only three contestants remaining, one would hope that they would step up their game and fight for a spot in the finale. One contestant came guns blazing, one contestant needed a song to get warmed up and one contestant mentally folded clothes during his performance. Before I go on a rant about how Crysey-Lee is the least promising Top Three in "Idol" history, and how the judges may as well wear puffy paint T-shirts with the names of their favorite contestant on them, let's get right to the performances!

Casey James
His Song: "Okay It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson
Judges' Song: "Daughters" by John Mayer (as chosen by Randy and Kara)
Verdict: Just Okay
Casey picked an Eric Hutchinson song because he thought it represented what he will be as an artist: Obscure. (No offense, Eric. I'm a fan!) Unfortunately, Casey didn't perform the song with much conviction. The poor thing looked more uncomfortable than Danny Gokey at PrideFest. Casey knew he was going to be thrown under the bus regardless of what he attempted, so I don't blame him for trying something contemporary to see if it'd stick. And as I'm sure he expected, Simon spent 99 percent of his time railing his song choice (by comparing it to a salad) and then waited until the "Idol" music stinger played before quickly shouting, "But you sounded good!" Better late than never, I guess?

When introducing John Mayer's "Daughters" as Casey's second song, Randy basically admitted he thought the dude had no chance in surviving the week. Read More...

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Justin Bieber Should Have Gotten Mike Tyson's Face Tattoo

Posted 5/18/10 5:45 pm EST by in Music


On Monday (May 17), the universe learned something new about Justin Bieber. The 16-year-old Canadian singer has a tattoo, which was discovered via photographs taken during a trip to the beach in Australia. Upon further inspection (and a conversation with the tattoo artist responsible for the piece), it turns out that the ink in question is located on his left hip and is an outline of the titular bird from the novel "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." The tattoo was apparently a birthday gift from Bieber's father, and he got it just a few days after his 16th birthday back in March.

While it's cool that Bieber got some ink so young (and that he "laid there and sucked it up" during the process, according to the owner of Son of a Gun Tattoo and Barbershop in Toronto), there were a number of other options that he could have gone with. After all, there are any number of famously tattooed celebrities, from Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker (he of several neck tattoos and sleeves on both arms) to the awesome collection of ink that Lil Wayne has collected over the years.

But as far as iconic tattoos go, it's hard to argue with the awesomeness of Mike Tyson. A few years back, Tyson got himself a tattoo on his face that wrapped around his left eye. And then possibly just to kick it up a notch, he kept adding to it. If Bieber really wanted to go nuts, he could have begun the process with the under-the-eye ink.

(Click here for more photos of Justin Bieber with other celebrity tattoos, including Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne!)

If he gets started now, Bieber can look like your average UFC fighter in no time flat. Ink up, sir!

What are your favorite celebrity tattoos? Let us know in the comments!

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LeBron James Has Excellent Musical Options No Matter Where He Ends Up

Posted 5/18/10 5:00 pm EST by in Music


Ever since the Boston Celtics bounced the Cleveland Cavaliers from the NBA playoffs last week, the question on the mind of every sports writer, basketball fan and resident of Cleveland has been the same: Where will LeBron James end up once his contract expires and he enters into free agency on July 1? Despite his underwhelming performance in the playoffs this year, James may be the most coveted free agent in the history of the NBA, as he is undoubtedly one of the games greatest players and an incredibly dynamic presence who could easily change the face of a franchise.

There are only a few teams that have the right combination of salary cap room, an attractive city and the appropriate support staff (or the willingness to go out and get said support). There are also a handful of other reasons that disqualify certain teams (the Lakers theoretically could pay for LeBron, but they are in the hunt for a second straight championship and wouldn't want to disrupt the fact that the team belongs to Kobe Bryant). It all comes down to five different teams: The New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat and the New Jersey Nets. No matter where he ends up, he'll have plenty of musical options to distract him.

New York
It's an embarrassment of riches. If he LeBron came to the Knicks and donned the blue and orange, he would be close to his associate Jay-Z as well as a number of the best crews in hip-hop (G-Unit, Dipset and the like). If he needs a little rocking, he can befriend the dudes in the Hold Steady or the National. And the Strokes are never far behind.

Cleveland
LeBron has had access to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (where he probably already has his favorite exhibits marked out in his brain). Read More...

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Nas And Damian Marley Continue A Long Tradition Of Album-Length Collaborations

Posted 5/18/10 4:00 pm EST by in Music


Today marks the release of the hotly-anticipated new album from Nas and Damian "Junior Gong" Marley. The record, called Distant Relatives, is not just a team-up between two musical giants but is also for a good cause, as the proceeds will go towards some form of support for Africa (possibly the construction of a school in the Congo). The album weds hip-hop and reggae influences beautifully, and even though he's talking about issues in Africa and not tales of the street, Nas' spitting is especially on point.

In fact, Distant Relatives immediately enters in the conversation regarding the best album-length collaborations of all time. What others are in said conversation? Glad you asked.

Method Man and Redman, Blackout! and Blackout! 2
Meth and Red are the gold standard among musical tag teams. They have made countless guest appearances on each others' songs and have also gotten together for at least one movie and a short-lived sitcom on Fox. But their crowning achievements are the two full-length albums they made, the classic Blackout! and the underrated sequel Blackout! 2. All you need for proof is "Da Rockwilder."

Jay-Z and Linkin Park, Collision Course
During the mash-up craze of a few years ago (which yielded stuff like Danger Mouse's The Grey Album and the P.O.D. remix of that one Nappy Roots song), the biggest rapper in the world hooked up with one of the most massive rock bands on the planet for an EP of mash-ups of some of their biggest hits. Read More...

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