MTV Newsroom › Jim Cantiello

Kris Allen Banters, Deflects And Charms Like A Champ

Posted 9/22/09 1:42 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music

I'll admit it: I turn into a giddy schoolgirl whenever "American Idol" winner Kris Allen comes to town. I can't help it! The dude is just so friggin' charming. We have a familiarity and banter together that I've never had with another artist. (Well, Madonna came close. I kid.)

Our "friendship" has even sparked a silly frivolous rivalry between myself and Entertainment Weekly "Idol" guru Michael Slezak, who also gets especially-chummy interviews with Kris. (If you’ve never read Slezak's recaps or watched his "Idolatory" video show, you are a sad human being.)

Perhaps Kris thinks he has carte blanche to goof around with me since I amuse him on some snarky level. He did, after all, find my "Idol in 60 Seconds" recap show to be the "funniest thing ever." And I guess I act like I know him because on a certain level Kris reminds me of my childhood buddies. But let's be honest: I do not know Kris Allen that well, and he can barely pronounce my last name. Therefore, we are not friends.

So why do our interviews devolve into meandering chit chat and double-entendres all the time?

My line of questioning is certainly at fault. Read More...

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Madonna Talks About Lourdes, Accidentally Creeped Out At VMAs

Posted 9/16/09 2:46 pm EST by in VMAs

There are only a few people at MTV who have ever interviewed Madonna. And all the people who have interviewed Madonna all have a certain prestigious history with the network: Kurt Loder, John Norris, a high-level producer here and there.

So you could imagine my surprise when, in the middle of my VMA backstage broadcast for V-Cast Sunday night at the MTV Video Music Awards, a dude in the press department ran up to me and said, "Dude. Madonna. Now."

Whaaat?

The interview went really well. Hell, I'd even say amazingly well. I know this because Madonna's longtime press guru didn't tackle me after our chat veered into zany territory. Watching the tape back, I have to say Madonna seemed to enjoy herself. She was an amazing sport when I asked her a million questions about Lady Gaga. She shared her legendary lightning-fast wit with me. And my producer made her cackle at one point. Score!

But I think I might have creeped her out when I admitted I was obsessed with her 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes. In fact, I know I did. Because Madonna told me.

In my defense, I'm not obsessed with Lourdes in any seedy way. I just find her newly-emerging public persona to be really exciting. She has a funky fashion sense and she just made an appearance in her mom's new video. It seems like Lourdes is dipping her toe into the fame pool. I meant to ask Madonna a legitimate question about Lourdes but instead what came out was, "Are you creeped out that I'm obsessed with your daughter?"

Sorry, Madonna! I promise next time I get to interview you I'll be more prepared and ask you all about your upcoming greatest hits album. But admit it: You had fun with me, right?

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Ellen DeGeneres On 'American Idol': Good Idea Or Bad Idea?

Posted 9/9/09 10:14 pm EST by in American Idol, Music

Ellen DeGeneres was just announced as Paula Abdul's replacement on "American Idol" starting next season, and I'm excited yet nervous for the choice.

Adding an "Idol" superfan to the panel is a fun idea. I think many of us assumed producers would find a washed-up pop star from a past decade to replace Paula. But going with the diehard fanatic is an interesting twist that threw me for a loop. Congrats to "Idol" for still having tricks up its sleeve.

But three things concern me with their choice of Ellen.

First, Ellen posted a video on her daytime chat show's Web site in which she promises to take the role of the viewer. She said, "I'm the people's point of view 'cause I am just like you. I sit at home and I watch it. I'm not looking at that in a critical way from [a] music producer's mind. I'm looking at it as a person who's going to buy the music and relate to that person. So hopefully I'll be the voice of what we're all doing at home."

But let's be honest. Nine times out of 10, the home viewer is the harshest critic of them all. Admit it: You've sad things about these singers that would make Simon Cowell blush. We rag on contestants left and right. If anything, us "Idol" geeks have been upset that the judges haven't been hard enough on certain contestants. (I know I was harshest on Danny Gokey because I didn't think he received enough criticism from the panel.) This video statement from Ellen worries me because I find it disingenuous and not representative of who she actually is. She's a zillionaire celeb who is likely too afraid to piss anyone off. She'll be more like the "Idol" cheerleader than you or I would ever be. If you're gonna claim to be "the armchair critic," Ellen, you better be prepared to really go there. Join the party. Come to the dark side.

Secondly, Ellen guest-judged this past summer on "So You Think You Can Dance" and her appearance was frustrating to say the least. Read More...

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VMA Preparation Begins Outside Radio City Music Hall

Posted 9/9/09 6:44 pm EST by in VMAs

VMA week has officially kicked off! The Radio City Music Hall marquee has been changed, the trailers and trucks have been rolled in and the endless flats of water are being loaded in as we speak. (We all know how "dehydrated" celebs get, so it's good MTV is taking the necessary precautions.)

When I stalked the VMA producers inside the venue, they all remained frustratingly mum about Sunday night's big surprises. What will Lady Gaga's set look like? How will Taylor Swift make a big impression in her VMA performance debut? And what will Janet do? Yeah, I got no scoop from the tight-lipped execs.

So I headed outside to 51st Street, where the crew was busy loading in everything. Maybe they delivered a big box of koalas or a unicorn for Gaga? Or a guitar for Tay-Tay?

Sadly, I didn't get much scoop there either. However I did get to meet some of the characters who make up the VMA 2009 crew. For example, there was Kate Gosselin the Security Guard. (I forgot her real name, but I can definitely recall her signature coif.) She said she wasn't in the mood to tackle anyone. And then there was executive assistant Ashley Mastronardi, who was on her way to meet up with her boss, Dave Sirulnick. Dave and the VMA team wanted to keep the VMA set under wraps, so they had us promise we wouldn't air any footage until today.

That veil of secrecy ended up being somewhat of a moot point, as security accidentally kept two stage doors wide open, revealing the set to anybody who wanted a peek, including two fashionistas on their way to Fifth Avenue. "Oooh, look the VMA stage! I wonder if that British guy is in there practicing?" (I assume they were talking about host Russell Brand. Or maybe they were R-Patz fanatics.)

So NYers who want a taste, stop by 51st and sneak a peek! Don't worry: As long as Kate Gosselin's on security detail, you won't get tackled.

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The Video Music Awards Set: A Sneak Peek

Posted 9/9/09 5:06 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, VMAs

The 2009 Video Music Awards are taking over New York City, but judging from the set of this year's VMAs, you might say that New York City is taking over the VMAs. There are fire escape set pieces on both sides of the stage, which will apparently be filled with hundreds of fans. And you can't forget that the show will be hosted at Radio City Music Hall, one of the most historic venues in Manhattan.

I recently got the first look at the set and was totally blown away. The timing of my entrance was perfect. Just as I walked into the house, the crew was testing the strobe lights and spotlight. Then the bright fluorescent panels that tangle around the fire escape scaffolding started flashing like a Japanese Anime cartoon. It looked both intense and beautiful. To keep with the New York theme, I felt like an immigrant going through Ellis Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time. "Woooowwwww, I can't wait to bring my whole family here!"

And that was before the giant screen was lit. The back wall of the stage is a massive television screen that will project insane graphics throughout the show. While I was there all I could see were color bars, but man, they were the largest color bars I have ever seen! It was a video geek's dream.

I'm beyond happy that the VMAs have returned to New York City and are back at Radio City Music Hall. Don't get me wrong: I had way too much fun hanging out at the Paramount lot last year, but I wasn't a fan about how small the room looked. Radio City seats thousands — yes, thousands! So between the capacity, the elaborate stage and the top-shelf lineup, the energy is going to be through the roof!

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The Greatest 'WTF?' Moments In VMA History

Posted 9/4/09 11:48 am EST by in Music, VMAs

Certain VMA moments are burned into our collective memory: Eminem getting mad at a puppet in 2002, Madonna and Britney Spears sucking face in '03, Britney just plain sucking at the '07 show in Vegas. Sure, I love those clips as much as any other red-blooded pop-culture-addicted American. But I've always been partial to the smaller moments — the blink-and-you-missed-'em-WTF-is-going-on-did-you-just-see-that moments that have me grabbing my TiVo remote for an instant replay.

So in honor of this year's upcoming Video Music Awards, I took a trip down to the MTV library and decided to create a list of my favorite WTF VMA moments that time has forgotten. You'll have to go to V-Cast on Verizon Wireless phones to see the full list, but below is just a taste of the awkward bloopers I love highlighting.

During the Hype Williams tribute at the 2006 Video Music Awards, Missy Elliott tried her best to re-create the iconic video for "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." She had the Hefty-bag outfit, the cropped hair and the teeny-tiny jeep down pat. But I don't seem to remember poor Missy getting bonked in the head with an umbrella in the video. Do you?

Everybody hopes for great performances and classic moments, but there's no doubt that on Sunday, September 13, there will be some jaw-dropping, head-scratching moments at Radio City Music Hall. I can't wait for a new batch of classic moments.

What are your favorite WTF moments at the VMAs, and who will be responsible for one at this year's show? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or head on over to Your.MTV.com to make your voice heard!

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Madonna's New Video Inspires The Resurrection Of 'Video Safari'

Posted 9/1/09 12:48 pm EST by in Music

Today marks the release of Madonna's newest video, and by some count it may be her 70th — yes 70th — music video since the beginning of her career. And even though her new clip for "Celebration" isn't particularly noteworthy or interesting (air-humping in front of a backdrop again, Madge?), you have to toast Madonna for her incredible feat.

So in honor of Madonna's extensive videography, MTV News decided to dust off an old pilot of mine that never got off the ground. It's called the "Video Safari," and it's probably the most bizarre thing MTV has ever let me try. (And considering I produced this, and this and a TV show in which a giant Suri Cruise cardboard cutout came to life to save me from a suicide attempt, that's saying a lot.)

But first, some backstory.

In early 2007, an MTV bigwig approached me to brainstorm some creative ways to present an artist's videography that he could include in the then-new show "FNMTV." My trusty cohort CJ Smith and I came up with a bunch of ideas, one of which was this "Video Safari" treatment. We liked how old-school MTV it felt, from the oddball costume to the public-access green screen.

Unfortunately, the brass at MTV despised it. Our silly segment just didn't fit in with the super-slick, highly-produced, expensive-looking TV show they were making, so "Video Safari" was left to collect dust in the MTV library. Until today!

So check out this oddity from the MTV vault. Yep, it looks like it cost $15 to produce, and it's out-of-date since it was produced before Hard Candy came out in stores, but we still have an affection for it around these parts and I'm happy it’s getting seen by a couple of eyeballs today.

Fun fact: We produced this at the same time that I was having a complete and utter mental breakdown! I was recapping the seventh season of "American Idol" and the fifth season of "Project Runway" at the same time. I was averaging about three hours of sleep a night and about three triple espressos an hour. I literally lost 15 pounds in two weeks, and we had to push back shooting once because I was so delirious and dysfunctional. If you look closely, you can see how dead my eyes look in this video (just like Lindsay Lohan in her "I Know Who Killed Me" era!). Crazy, right?

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Britney Spears' Circus Show: Leather Masks, Trampolines And Jordin Sparks

Posted 8/25/09 11:44 am EST by in Concerts, Music

I popped my Britney Spears concert cherry last night at Madison Square Garden, and it was a one-night stand I won't regret.

"But Jim," you ask, "how the hell did a pop culture fanatic like you go 27 years without seeing Britney perform live?" I dunno. I guess I never had the urge to pony up the $8 million needed to catch a Britney show. (I kid. Ticket prices are less than that. Slightly.) Plus, I was never a diehard fan of Britney's music. Don't get me wrong: I always dug her as a pop culture force, and the hoopla around her and her career has been fascinating to me since day one. I just can't say I have ever purchased a Britney song on iTunes.

Not to mention that Britney has a reputation for not always singing live at her concerts. Why would I want to pay money to see someone lip-synch for two hours? I'll save my money for the next time Grizzly Bear is in town. Now that's a concert.

But given all the "She's back!" buzz surrounding the Circus tour, I jumped at the chance to check out her first of three nights at Madison Square Garden. "If I'm gonna see Britney, now's the time to do it," I told myself during another one-sided conversation. She's a total underdog that you can't stop rooting for, and I was curious to see if she's really "back."

Let me echo the sentiments of her fans, folks. Yep, she's baaaaaaack! And I had the time of my life at her concert.

Here are five more things that totally surprised me about the "Circus" tour.

» Jordin Sparks = Force To Be Reckoned With
Jordin Sparks debuted on the Circus tour last night, and she came out like she owned the place. The girl has more bona fide smash hits than some artists twice her age, and she flaunted each and every one of them during her tight opening set. MSG lit up with camera flashes the instant Ms. Sparks appeared on stage (wearing a sick-looking feather skirt) to sing "One Step at a Time." The crowd was less enthusiastic about the pair of newer album deep cuts she tossed into the set (girl's gotta sell her new record!), but once she finished with a one-two-three punch of "Battlefield," "Tattoo" and "No Air," the room was bouncing and singing in unison. It didn't hurt that Sparks sounded spectacular live, even with her ear monitor flying off two songs in. She is a fantastic addition to the Circus tour.

» Just Because You Have No Legs Doesn't Mean You Can't Jump On A Trampoline Read More...

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David Cook And A Rubber Chicken Poke Fun At 'American Idol,' The Media

Posted 8/18/09 1:10 pm EST by in American Idol, Music

David Cook has been in the limelight for less than two years, but he's apparently already burned out by reporters asking him the same five questions. Late last week, Cook posted a new episode of his webshow "Pork Beans" in which the singer interviews a rubber chicken (named "Crazy Legs") by regurgitating particularly inane questions he's been asked since winning "American Idol" in 2008.

Among the vapid queries:

"Is Simon really that mean in person?"

"What's the last year of your life been like since I won 'American Idol?'"

"Who do you like better from Season 8, Adam or Kris?"

"What are your thoughts on Paula Abdul leaving 'American Idol?'" (Whoops. I totally asked Kris Allen that question last week. So kill me, I still think it was newsworthy!)

On one hand, I think the video — entitled "A Ficus Flows Between Us" — is a rather sharp satire on the state of music reporting. Bad questions that will make for easy "clickable" headlines? Check. (Although no "Twilight" question, David? Tsk tsk.) Generic responses from the artist/chicken which could all be interchanged with each other? Check! Fake interest from the interviewer after each answer? Yep, he nails that, too. One could even look deeper into the video and note that the chicken can't respond until a hand (or perhaps record label?) squeezes it.

But on the other hand, David Cook should be careful not to come off as a jaded rock star. While I find the clip to be amusing, I could see how others might look at it and go, "Well forget that guy. I won't bother interviewing him when he plays the California State Fair next week."

The interview lasts for about four minutes and then second half is a series of outtakes. (Hmm ... I wonder where he got that idea?) So check it out and let us know what you think! Too funny or too bitter? Also, are there any questions David missed that you hope "Idol" reporters retire from their tired repertoire? I know I could live without the generic "Give advice to future contestant"s line. Yawn!

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Adam Lambert's New '2012' Song: Great Or The Greatest?

Posted 8/17/09 11:59 am EST by in MTV News, Music

It sounds like Adam Lambert will be making his big screen debut this November. But don't worry, "Idol" fans. It won't be another "From Justin to Kelly" catastrophe (although I imagine there's a small contingent of "Idol" freaks who would kill to see a musical romance between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert). Nope, instead this disaster will be of the Roland Emmerich-fueled sci-fi kind, meaning lots of stuff will get blown up.

After weeks of speculation and coy remarks to the press, it has been confirmed by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May that Adam Lambert has recorded a song for the upcoming Emmerich opus "2012." In a blog post dated Friday, August 14th, Mr. May gushed like a total fan-girl over the track, which he heard while hanging with producer Rob Cavallo. Read his comments (in a British accent, for full effect) below:

"I have to say I was completely blown away ... it's truly sensational. In fact it's so obviously a number one smash, any bookie would be mad to take bets on it. I am not kidding. I'm not easily moved to jelly by male vocalists ... but Adam's voice reaches out with sensitivity, depth, maturity, and awesome range and power which will make jaws drop all around the world. Its an awesome performance. No doubt about it. The world of Rock has a bright new star."

You think he liked it? Seriously, I haven't seen someone freak over an "Idol" like that since ... well, since I interviewed Kris Allen last week.

So here's what we know: The song was produced by Cavallo, whose name you know from working with David Cook, Green Day, My Chemical Romance and — randomly — Paris Hilton. Meat Loaf's drummer John Miceli was involved in some capacity. We assume the tune will be rolling over the end credits after (potential spoiler alert!) John Cusack and his band of misfits probably save the world, and ... that's about all we know.

But rest easy, Glamberts! We are working overtime to get as many details as possible over the highly-anticipated tune. What's it called? Will it also be on his major-label debut album this fall? Will it be "Rock Gawd" Lambert or "Gentle Jeff Buckley Balladeer" Lambert? And how badly does Brian May want Lambert to be in Queen? We're making as many phone calls as humanly possible to get to the bottom of this. So stay tuned...

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