MTV Newsroom › Tim Kash

Nicki Minaj Wins Another Admirer During VMA Pre-Show Rehearsal

Posted 9/11/10 11:00 pm EST by in VMAs

Some people mark each year that passes with a birthday, but I think I mark it with each MTV Video Music Awards that goes by. Today was the first day of rehearsals which are always ... interesting. Rehearsals (for me, at least) is when I get all the possible mistakes out of the way before the big live show the next day (well, that's the idea anyway). This year's rehearsal started at early this morning with our director Steve at the helm blocking through the various camera shots, the walk and talks, coordinating the big arrivals and rehearsing our big VMA pre-show performance from the gorgeous Nicki Minaj and uber-musician will.i.am.

This year, we're bringing performances back to the pre-show with both Nicki and Will set to give an explosive performance of their track "Check It Out," as well as Nicki's hit "Your Love."

Nicki and her entourage of dancers (hot!), choreographers (Lori-Ann from Diddy's "Making the Band"), security, sound techs and management all stopped by for Nicki to walk through her dance moves and performance. I always thought Nicki was cute on video, but in real life ... wow. Our set designers have created a really cool pink spacecraft-esque set for Nicki, who came by looking gorgeous with red hair and black clothes. One of the best parts of this job is always seeing everything that goes on behind the scenes, especially when you get to see an artist rehearse their performance before the live show. From what I saw today, you are not going to want to miss her on the pre-show.

The highlight of the day? When her manager introduced us and Nicki goes, "Yessss, I know exactly who you are!"

Move over Drizzy, because I'm buying the engagement ring ASAP.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

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Jason Derulo Pulls Triple Duty At The Video Music Awards

Posted 9/11/10 8:30 pm EST by in VMAs

The first time I met Jason Derülo was in New York a couple months back at a club called SL, where he was performing for a friend's birthday. Over the road of the loud music and huge crowd, Jason and I chopped it up about music, his hit single, his career so far and made a handshake deal that we would set up an interview while he was in New York.

But after weeks of trying to coordinate schedules, we were never able to make it work. We're busy guys after all.

So when I heard Jason was in Los Angeles and coming to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards as not only a performer but a double-nominee as well, I knew we had to honour our gentleman's agreement and finally do this interview.

Every day this week, there are a ton of VMA concert events happening all over Hollywood, and on Friday night (September 10), Jason took the stage to headline at Music Box for the Feed the Beat event.

So in between various VMA meetings, script read-thru's, interviews and rehearsals, I jumped in a car and headed down with Travie (my trusty camera dude) to catch Jason's soundcheck and get the interview we promised months ago.

Up in the balcony, Derülo and I sat down with the cameras rolling to talk about the success of his monster hit single, the honour of being nominated at the VMAs for both Best Male Video and the prestigious Best New Artist category that has been won before by some of the worlds biggest stars early on in their careers.

But on Sunday, Jason is doing triple duty as guest, nominee and performer. Our resident DJ deadmau5 remixed Jason's hit single exclusively for the VMA show, and according to Jason he has "changed the song completely ... in a great way." Jason is stoked to be taking to the VMA stage for the first time to perform a song that is his, but also not his at the same time. He can't wait to perform it, and we can't wait to hear it. No doubt everyone from Drake to Gaga will be dancing in the aisles.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

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A 2010 MTV Video Music Awards Demand: Fish!

Posted 9/10/10 11:30 am EST by in VMAs

Apparently, the little crackers that I like are not actually called "Cheese Fish," but instead are known by the rather more boring name "Goldfish."

It got me thinking: On Sunday night, September 12, when the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards white carpet opens and the celebrities begin to arrive at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, some of the biggest names in music and entertainment will make their way up to the arrivals platform, where I'll meet them for our live VMA pre-show (which will kick off promptly at 8 p.m. Eastern).

From the big house to the white carpet (the biggest carpet we've had in years, with over 200 feet of press — and that's only the beginning), the style and decor of the set is inspired by an old Hollywood mansion from the Rat Pack era. So to go with my suit (you'll see), the amazing set guys designed an arrivals platform set over a small pool of water (think a mini version of a fountain you'd see outside any big Hollywood mansion).

Now, I'm not one to really make big requests, but I really, really want fish. What pool or fountain is complete without fish? I really think we should get some fish. I don't care what — maybe some goldfish, or some koi — but I think the set would look complete.

Unfortunately, no one is really taking my request seriously (and I'm not really serious ... much), so that's why I'm writing this. So to my executive producers, to all MTV execs, to the head of set design Mr. Story and even to President Obama: I want fish (and preferably ones that match my suit).

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

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With Chelsea Handler As VMA Host, No Celeb Is Safe

Posted 9/9/10 11:10 pm EST by in VMAs

I wasn't sure what to expect when we sat down to interview VMA host Chelsea Handler (apparently her name isn't Chelsea Lately). If you've ever seen her show on E! — yes, I watch it — she's a perfect combination of good looks and a sharp tongue, so you can understand that I was a little anxious for our interview.

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one. Sure, Chelsea hosts a national show on E! every weeknight, but she's never hosted a show on this scale before. And with all eyes on her this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT (I told her a billion people are watching; she bought it), she's a little nervous.

I've seen her rip people apart on her show, and I didn't want to be next on her menu, so we treaded carefully. She arrived on site for her first rehearsal, and just before she made her way to stage, we sat down with her for a quick minute. Dressed for business, Chelsea came in, all smiles, as we talked about everything from nerves before the big show, MTV's big headline about her "probably" sleeping with Eminem on show night, her love for Lady Gaga (who she thinks will end up the big winner of the night, beating out Em), Justin Bieber (she called him a sexual deviant, LOL) and circumcision (yes, out of blue, she asked if I was or not ... still not sure why).

She's taking no prisoners on VMA night, and no celeb is safe. Stars, you have been warned. Expect insults, jokes and a lot of funny.

What are you expecting from Chelsea at the VMAs? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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'Hope For Haiti Now' Turns Superstars Into Fans, MTV's Tim Kash Reveals

Posted 1/23/10 1:10 am EST by in Behind The Scenes, Haiti

You know you're in for a special night when you spot a former president speaking with the Boss and the Material Girl.

Just before President Clinton joined MTV News backstage to talk about Haiti's rebuilding process, he ducked into Bruce Springsteen's rehearsal of "We Shall Overcome."

Afterward, Clinton and Springsteen stood center stage catching up. Seconds later, Madonna joined into the conversation. I was off in the wings. Still, can you imagine being a fly on the wall for that one?


From what I could see, President Clinton did most of the talking, but both stars listened intently. (I imagine those roles pretty much reverse in their regular lives.)
Read More...

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50 Cent: Too Cool To Self Destruct

Posted 11/16/09 5:36 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music

Of all the artists that pass through the MTV headquarters here in New York every week, there are few that bring the same level of excitement to the building that 50 Cent does. With his fourth studio album Before I Self Destruct set to hit stores, the G-Unit General is hard at work on the promo trail talking about everything from music to his rivals. Interviewing 50 never gets old. He has as much charisma as he does bottles of Vitamin Water in his fridge, so whenever he comes in for a big sit-down interview you never know what to expect.

It's an interesting time for 50. He's nearing the end of his five album deal with Interscope, and he appears to have come full circle, as the aggression of his debut Get Rich or Die Tryin' is matched only by the new album. Despite having a reported $300 million in the bank and an empire that spans clothing, beverages, books and movies, it's refreshing to see that 50 still approaches each interview as if it was his first.

We started by breaking down the album, picking out some key songs including "Baby By Me" and his collaboration with Eminem on "Psycho." We touched upon his recent rivalry with Jay-Z and his longstanding relationship with Dr. Dre and Eminem both inside and outside of the studio. He broke down some standout lyric,s including the line on "So Disrespectful" that addresses Dre's position in 50's beef against the Game.

In the video for "Baby By Me," 50 takes on the role of a suburban father complete Kelly Rowland playing his wife and three Argyll-wearing kids. So we asked him if this could ever be a possibility for the hip-hop heavyweight or if it will have to remain a video fantasy. And somehow we got into that game you play with your friends: Halle Berry or Megan Fox? Halle or Angelina Jolie? Megan or Jessica Biel?

Yes, we went there. And he answered. Stay tuned to MTV News all week for more on 50 Cent.

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Wale Beats The Odds To Drop Attention Deficit

Posted 11/13/09 4:51 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music

With Attention Deficit finally hitting stores, I'm officially naming Tuesday, November 17 as the Day of Wale. It's been a long time coming for the D.C rapper's debut album, and it has certainly been worth the wait. People underestimate how difficult it is to actually get to the stage where you can put out a debut album, but Wale is making it work.

There's no question whether Wale is a skilled MC. He's one of the brightest young stars in music today and some would argue the best lyricist in hip-hop's new school. The question is: Can Wale survive in a harsh music climate?

Wale's debut single "Chillin" (featuring the hottest woman in pop, Lady Gaga) set him on the right track, and with an album filled with great collaborations (including Pharrell Williams, J. Cole and Gucci Mane to name but a few) and hits like "Pretty Girls," "Let it Loose" and a personal favourite "Contemplate" (featuring a great Rihanna sample), I'm gonna bet yes.

When he stopped by the MTV News studio on the day of release, one thing was pretty clear: Wale had a late one. The night before, his label mate Daniel Merriweather had performed a great set here in the city, and after the show everyone moved to celebrate Wale's official album launch party at the Marquee nightclub.

Dressed casually, Wale spoke on how he feels this album means more to him than any album has ever met to any other artist in history, the breakdown of his favourite songs on the album, the meaning of the album cover, the music, how the album musically lives up to its name Attention Deficit, his relationship with Jay-Z, what separates him from the likes of Drake and Cudi, the experience of working with the likes of Pharrell, Gucci Mane and the other collaborators on the album and a lot of other stuff. Look out for the interviews on MTV News.

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'America's Next Top Model' Coach Miss J Gives MTV News Staffer A Walking Lesson

Posted 11/12/09 5:46 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Television

I'm not quite sure how to best introduce this next piece of footage, so I'll keep it brief.

We have this guy here at MTV News called CJ. We love him. He's awesome. But CJ has a problem. He walks funny. There's really no way to describe it apart from the fact that he walks like he's possessed. Even if its just a few steps or a couple of blocks, CJ walks everywhere like he's being chased by a serial killer or worse. Arms flail, his mop-hair bounces and people stop and stare. We've all kind of become immune to it here at MTV News, but for CJ's own sake, we felt that something had to be done.

When J. Alexander — also known as Miss J, the runway coach and judge from hit reality show "America's Next Top Model" — stopped by the MTV Newsroom for an interview (he's promoting his new book "Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power"; stay tuned for more from the interview later in the week), MTV News' Rya Backer and I decided to stage an intervention for our friend CJ.

Miss J has made a career out of teaching girls how to strut on "Americas Next Top Model" and has helped some of the world's most iconic models develop signature walks. But we knew that this was going to be his most daunting task yet. Could Miss J help CJ unleash his own poise and power? Check out the video below to find out.

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Taylor Swift Joins Rare Company As Host And Musical Guest On 'Saturday Night Live'

Posted 11/4/09 5:34 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music

Taylor Swift will join an exclusive group of VIPs that includes Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears when she appears on this weekend's episode of "Saturday Night Live."

Pulling double duty as both host and musical performer, Taylor has her work cut out for her this week. When we stopped by the "SNL" studios to catch up with the starlet, it was pretty clear that Taylor is very excited.

It was my first time visiting the "SNL" studio, and despite not growing up with the show in England, the nostalgia was not wasted on me. Back home in the U.K., we have our ways of getting the show, even though "SNL" doesn't air on TV. We're pretty innovative when we want to be.

At the show, Taylor walked in looking casually chic in an argyll jumper and tights. She greeted everyone in the room with a big "Hi guys!" Standing on the mezzanine with the "SNL" studio over our shoulder, Taylor and I talked on her upcoming double duty, her sense of humour and the fact that she bravely told writers that nothing was off limits.

And we couldn't let Taylor go without squeezing in some questions about her favourite new songs off the re-released Fearless album, what and who she's writing about and the musical direction of her next album. Look out for more from the interview with Taylor Swift in the coming days.

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Alicia Keys: The Nicest Guest In The Newsroom

Posted 10/26/09 5:56 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, Music

One question I get asked a lot is, "Who is the nicest celebrity you've ever interviewed?" It's a tough question to answer, but the very talented Alicia Keys is definitely up there.

I remember "falling" hard for Ms. Keys when I first saw her perform a small showcase in London back in 2001. She was all smiles then, and I remember thinking she might be one of the nicest girls I'd ever met. Eight years on, it seems nothing has changed.

There was an air of confidence surrounding Keys when she walked into the newsroom last week following her appearance on "It's On with Alexa Chung." She's graceful and elegant, but you'd be a fool to forget that Alicia Keys is a real New Yorker.

I'm not so up on female fashion, but it must be said she was wearing some very impressive boots — half black and half metallic. She looked, as they say, fierce.

We talked about her upcoming album The Element of Freedom, her next single "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart," her favourite songs from the album (including "Love is Blind"), her obvious musical evolution (there are lots of synths on The Element of Freedom), the hotly-anticipated video for the Jay-Z track "Empire State of Mind" (a real New York video for the new New York anthem) and working with Whitney Houston and Swizz Beatz.

Alicia spoke on what it's like working with uber-producer Swizz (a personal favourite of mine) and the admiration she has for him as a "musical genius" and a "mad scientist" behind the mixing desk. For the rest, you'll have to check out the interview.

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