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'Bigger Than The Buzz' Takes On 'Watch The Throne' And The Quick Demise Of Owling

Posted 7/29/11 9:19 am EST by in MTV News, Music


Bigger Than The Buzz

Last week we brought you the pilot episode of “Bigger Than The Buzz” and now here’s the first official ep. Two of MTV’s foremost pop culture connoisseurs, Tamar Anitai of Buzzworthy and MTV News’ own James Montgomery, are back to let loose on the biggest stories from the week that was in pop culture.

This time around, the dynamic duo are talking up Jay-Z and Kanye West’s superstar collaboration Watch the Throne and whether there’s a bigger superstar combo out there (hint: James and Tamar think there just might be).They also address the cultural scourge that is “owling” and the unlikely stardom of VMA-nominated newcomer Kreayshawn.

Check the first official episode of “Bigger Than The Buzz” out after the jump. Read More...

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TeenNick Vs. 'TRL' And 'Making The Video': Interns Weigh In

Posted 7/28/11 12:00 pm EST by in Behind The Scenes, MTV News, Television


By Matt Goodhue

Sure, '90's Nickelodeon played a key role in shaping our childhood. Doug and Patty provided us with fashion sense. Kenan and Kel made us fond of orange soda. “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” encouraged us to use a nightlight. These shows were crucial in the development of our young, innocent brains, but it was the radical movement of MTV that really had an impact on how we are today.

As young interns for MTV News, we can't ignore the influence certain programs had on us. It's one of the reasons we wanted to come here in the first place. So, while Nickelodeon’s re-airings of hits like “Doug” and “Clarissa Explains It All” are thrilling our slightly older MTV News colleges, we're hoping MTV will be inspired and re-play our favorite classics from the late '90s and early 2000s.

“Celebrity Deathmatch,” 1998-2002 – Matt Goodhue
In a time when WWF ruled my Monday nights, I needed another program to meet my wrestling needs during the week. “Celebrity Deathmatch” was the missing link. Not only could I watch claymation characters kick each other's asses in brutal ways, the matches featured celebrities and historical figures that I would have loved to see square off in the ring. Beavis vs. Butt-head. The Backstreet Boys vs. The Beastie Boys. Busta Rhymes vs. William Shakespeare. Pure genius. With commentators Johnny Gomez and Nick Diamond giving the play-by-play, “Celebrity Deathmatch” provided endless entertainment and a copious amount of blood and physical injury. Bring back the clay!

Read More...

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Check It Out: MTV’s New Weekly Web Series ‘Bigger Than the Buzz’

Posted 7/19/11 6:15 pm EST by in MTV News, Music


By Chelsea White

In light of all of the endings we’ve had to cope with as of late (the finale of the "Harry Potter" franchise, the demise of J.Lo’s marriage, the exodus of Charlie Sheen’s remaining goddess, etc.), isn’t it high time for a new beginning?

We gave two of MTV.com’s foremost pop culture connoisseurs free rein to let loose on everything they’re most obsessed with in pop music and pop culture that week. The result: The pilot episode of our new weekly web series, "Bigger Than the Buzz"!

Tamar Anitai is the managing editor of MTV Buzzworthy and James Montgomery writes MTV News’ Bigger Than the Sound column, and neither one can STFU about pop music and pop culture. They devote each day to dishing out all of the need-to-know happenings, sounding off on their favorite videos and swapping notes on up-and-coming artists. We decided to put their gift for gab to good use by dragging them out from behind their computers and in putting them in front of our camera, so you could get involved in the conversation.

Each week, Tamar and James invite you to join them as they breakdown the week's most pertinent moments in pop music and pop culture over a tall glass of milk. (Fun fact: James hates milk! If you look closely you can see the nausea in his eyes.) In the debut episode they chat about everything from mermaids to VMAs and we can’t wait to hear what you think – not only about each topic, but about the pilot too! So leave us some comments, Tweet us and them (@MTVBuzzworthy and @positivnegativ) with #BTTB and let us know if you’re pickin’ up what James and Tamar are puttin’ down.

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'Beatles: Rock Band' Demo Shows Off Epic Graphics, Three-Part Harmonies

Posted 6/4/09 10:02 pm EST by in Game


FROM MULTIPLAYER.MTV.COM: MTV-owned Harmonix hosted a party for MTV employees in Santa Monica, California, to show off "The Beatles: Rock Band." The game's opening sequence makes for an epic introduction to the game, with sweeping animation that highlights the band's floppy early years all the way to their rainbow-colored psychedelic era.

But what you really care about is playing the game. Well, a Harmonix quintet (yes, five players ... we'll call the fifth member "Pete Best") showed off the game, playing instruments custom-made for the game, including John Lennon's Rickenbacker 325 guitar, Paul McCartney's Höfner bass, George Harrison's Gretsch Duo Jet guitar and Ringo Starr's drums with Ludwig kick-drum head. Five people were used because it's the first "Rock Band" game to include three-part harmonies, and you can actually play with up to a Fab Sextet.

For more on "The Beatles: Rock Band" demo, including footage from the game, head to our Multiplayer blog.

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'Hills' Star Frankie Delgado Shows Up For His First Day At MTV News

Posted 5/27/09 8:58 pm EST by in Movie Awards, The Hills


Frankie Delgado isn't taking his new gig as MTV Movie Awards weekend guest host lightly. The "Hills" star showed up to the morning news meeting ready to learn everything he can from the best in the business — Sway and Tim Kash — about how to be an on-air personality.

Sway laid the ground rules for Delgado, telling him, "Don't be late!" He then warned him that one of his fashion accessories should only be worn by longtime reporters: "Only the vets can wear shades!"

Then Frankie and Tim had a heart-to-heart about what he should expect while working the awards show alongside Lo Bosworth and Stephanie Pratt on Sunday.

"I want to see a stage," Frankie told Tim about what he expects from Sunday. "Belly dancers! I want to see Britney Spears, T.I." After Tim let him know he won't be seeing that stuff, he said, "Then I guess I want to see Andy Samberg. I got one!"

That you did, Frankie! To see if the reality star listened to Tim and Sway, check Frankie out before Sunday's big show at 9 p.m. ET.

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I Waited My Whole Life to Meet Green Day!

Posted 5/15/09 8:46 pm EST by in green-day, Heartbreaking Acts Of Staggerin Insanity


By Melanie Wolfson

Well, I did it. This evening, I met the three reasons why I fell in love with rock and roll in the first place: Billie Joe, Mike and Tré.

I began my journey to meet the guys nearly 18 hours ago when I stood in line to get a wristband that would guarantee my entry into a meet-and-greet with Green Day at their album signing tonight at Best Buy. I haven't slept at all since then (except for a 15-minute nap I had on the sidewalk at around 5:30 a.m.), but, strangely, it hasn't caught up with me yet ... I've been too excited. And then, as if that wasn't enough, thanks to MTV News, I was able to tag along to an exclusive interview we had with the band before they whipped out the pens to sign 500 albums.


Green Day

(Check out today's MTV News interview with Green Day right here!)

As we waited in the downstairs studio at the store, I tried to calm my nerves but could not keep my legs from shaking or my heart from pounding. When we got the signal that the guys were on their way down, I thought for a minute I might faint or cry (or both), but luckily, I held it together.

When Green Day walked into the room, I was completely unprepared for the first thing that happened: Billie Joe walked immediately over to me, with arms wide open. We hugged. And then I almost died. Read More...

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We're Live-Blogging The Top Four 'American Idol' Performances!

Posted 5/5/09 7:59 pm EST by in American Idol, Live Blog


Jim Cantiello

BREAKING NEWS! LITERALLY! According to “American Idol” blogs TopIdol and MJsBigBlog, there was an insane amount of drama during tonight’s “Idol” dress rehearsal! Exploding sets, falling stage managers! Yowzas! More news to come… We now return you to your regularly scheduled “American Idol” live-blog…

…and then the Pope says, “Poke her? I don’t even know her!” HAHAHA. That was a funny joke.

Before tonight’s Rock-themed “American Idol” live-blog, I want to say three words: I’m proud of you, America!

Yes, even though Simon threw my favorite contestant, Allison, under the bus on last week’s Rat Pack show (and even though I wrote a whole blog predicting her Results Show Demise) you guys rallied around the most underrated contestant of the season and pushed her through to tonight’s Rock-themed “Idol.”

Round of applause.

Tonight will be “Idol’s” most competitive yet. The deadweight is all gone (sorry Matt Giraud fan) and we’re left with four winners. (Yes, this Gokey hater was turned a believer after last week’s “Come Rain or Come Shine.”) And with Paula off the pills, we’re likely to avoid any Jason Castro-type ESP moments this year. Second round of applause for Paula coming clean, both figuratively and literally!

Lastly, thanks to a bout of inspiration which led to a ripped t-shirt in last week’s 60 Second Recap, I couldn’t properly shout-out last week’s winner of the “Cantiello Comment Contest.” MTV.COM user Robroy had a delicious rant that colorfully compared “Idol’s” stink to that of chicken poop. But it was the second comment that had me totally dying. “I had to look at Kara’s RIGHT ARMPIT AGAIN! Please, please, oh please…sob, sob…pleeeeeeeezzz…stop with the show opening Diguardia PitStop!”

Now that Robroy has mentioned that, you’re never going to be able to look at Kara and NOT stare at her armpit, am I right?

Let’s put this intro down like a sick dog and move on to tonight’s “Idol” live-blogging!

7:37 pm – MJ is reporting that the dress rehearsal for “Idol” has been canceled. Innnteresting. I wonder how that will affect the contestant’s game.

7:39 pm – OMG TopIdol is reporting that Debbie The Stage Manager fell down the stairs and was taken away on a stretcher. And then Ryan came out and the stage started to fall apart. Those scary spinning globes (which TopIdol mentioned in her on-the-scene blog entry from last week) hissed and then exploded. AHH!

7:40 pm – Who here thinks it’s the ghost of Bea Arthur wreaking havoc on “Idol” after hearing that Constantine Maroulis was nominated for a Tony Award this morning? You know that Broadway diva ain’t having any of that!

8:00 pm - And we're live! The taped teaser is rolling. I guess all the drama was swept up?

8:01 pm - And THIS...is "American Idol!" Okay, round of applause for the clean-up crew. Can't wait to hear what Seacrest says about the dress rehearsal!

8:02 pm - Holy crap! They're going into details. The contestants haven't been able to have a proper run-through!! And the set is broken! And they're going to do duets tonight! And Seacrest just referred to Randy as "The Staple!" This is so bizarre!

8:03 pm - Who wore it better? (Studded leather jacket edition): Kara DioGuardi or Adam Lambert?

8:04 pm - Slash is our mentor this week. He's a great vocalist! (Eyeroll.)

8:05 pm - Aww, Slash actually seems nervous to meet the contestants. Either that or he's detoxing.

8:06 pm - It's a true night of firsts. Adam Lambert is going first. For the first time ever. And he's doing a Led Zeppelin song. My mind = officially blown.

8:07 pm - Raise your hand if you're bopping your head right now. Adam Lambert is KILLING it!! I love Rock Week!!

8:09 pm - Also a first? This performance is like 17 minutes long. And it's ending with Adam shrieking "Deep inside! Woman! You need it!" Raise your hand if you just did a spit take.

8:10 pm - Randy thinks Adam should do a record with Slash. (Hate to break it to you, Randy. That album already exists. It's called "Appetite For Destruction.") Kara thinks Adam should do an album that's 70's classic rock, 80's glam rock, and Nine Inch Nails. And then she had a "When Harry Met Sally..." orgasm. I guess with Matt G gone, she's set her sights on Adam Lambert. Paula says his "Whole Lotta Love" was a whole lotta perfect. Groan.

8:11 pm - Simon says it was his favorite Lambert performance yet. One problem: "how is anyone gonna top that?" Good question, Cowell. Here's hoping Danny Gokey is next.

8:12 pm - D'oh! It's Allison! NOOO!!!

8:15 pm - A promo just promised the most intense "Hell's Kitchen" finale ever. Maybe they won't be cooking beef wellington this time? Because that would be SHOCKING!

Read More...

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We're Live-Blogging The Top Seven (Again) 'American Idol' Performances!

Posted 4/21/09 7:54 pm EST by in American Idol, Live Blog


Jim Cantiello

Old people, rejoice! “American Idol” is taking us back to the good ol’ days of bellbottoms and key parties and dinosaurs. It’s DISCO NIGHT on “American Idol” and I’ll be live-blogging every groovy second of it.

MTV News’ disappointment in “Idol” selecting a genre that’s as dated as Paula Abdul’s pop culture debut is well-documented. But it’s no fun if all we do is complain so let’s look at the bright side of tonight’s (Absurd! Heinous! Disastrous! Pointless! Obsolete! Despicable! God-awful!) theme.

First of all, Paula will be choreographing the group number in tomorrow night’s results show. I don’t recall Paula ever doing The Hustle with MC Skat Cat, so I’m not entirely sure why she chose disco week to jump back on the choreography horse, but hell, I’m still excited for it.

Second of all, Lil Rounds might actually choose a good song for her voice! Who am I kidding? She’s going to pick Bette Midler’s disco version of “Strangers in the Night” just to prove that deep down inside she’s really a sassy white woman with an affinity for bad wigs.

Lastly, disco night will force the contestants to pick uptempo tracks. Last week’s movie night was a non-stop barrage of ballads. And, thankfully, Bryan Adams has never released a disco tune. Oh crap, I’m just remembering that he did do disco when he was 19 years old. (If someone sings “Let Me Take You Dancing” I might have to stab myself.)

There I go with the negativity again.

Before I threaten self-mutilation again, let’s get to the live-blogging.

7:50 pm – Missed last week’s “shocking” use of the Judges’ Save? Catch up real quick with the latest “Idol in 60 Seconds” recap.

7:53 pm – 7 minutes to go. Don’t mind me. I’m bidding on Adam Lambert crap that wackadoodles are selling on Ebay. This floor mat might be my favorite, not only because of the grammatical error but also because something tells me ONLY boys would be allowed in Adam’s room.

8:00 pm - The show is opening with a crazy intense super-tease that feels like it belongs on "Survivor." My heart is racing. The Judges' Save was "Idol history," according to history. Yeah, it was historically stupid. We all know Matt is going home again this week.

8:01 pm - Vince Neil is in the audience! He loves the Judges' Save! I also imagine he's a fan of Adam Lambert's voice-work, since Lambert is ripping off hair metal vocalists every week.

8:02 pm - So, this is odd. Even though last week's show ran crazy long, and even though we still have seven singers, the show is still going to be an hour long.

8:03 pm - Interesting! They cut the pre-performance interview taped pieces. Good call producers!

8:03 pm - Also, they're having Lil Rounds kick off the show, which means she'll probably get kicked off tomorrow. Good call producers!

8:04 pm - Lil Rounds is singing Chaka Kahn's "I'm Every Woman." I have two things to say. 1) Her skin-tight catsuit makes it look like she is hiding every single woman in her pants. Baby got back. And 2) She may be every woman, but her hairy armpits make her more like every man. Wow. Doesn't she know that hairy pits ruined Paula Cole's career 10+ years ago?

Read More...

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We're Live-Blogging 'American Idol' Motown Week!

Posted 3/25/09 7:57 pm EST by in American Idol, Live Blog


Jim Cantiello Resident "American Idol" expert Jim Cantiello brings you a minute-by-minute recap of every episode right here! Keep checking for updates throughout the show, and don't miss out on his previous live blogs and other "Idol" news.

It's time to live-blog another "American Idol" performance show. But it's a Wednesday! Usually we watch a performer's dreams get crushed on Wednesday. Thanks to our "Idol"-hating President, we're going to watch ten singers (well, nine singers and one blind dude) compete tonight instead. This is the second time that Obama has toyed with our beloved "Idol" schedule this season. Economy my ass! Doesn't he understand that we like watching "Idol" to forget that we have no money? He would have been better off leaving "Idol" alone and issuing a press release. Or better yet - I can't believe I'm about to say this - he should have taken a page from the Bush II presidency and just appeared on "Idol!"

Tonight will feature the music of Motown, which is an absolute minefield. For every amazing "Misery" by Barrett Strong there are three obvious stinkers like "Sugar Pie Honeybunch" waiting to take down a contestant. Provided "Idol" didn't severely limit the song list, there's no excuse for anyone to sing a classic we've heard 400 times before on this show. I swear to Seacrest, if anyone sings "Aint No Mountain High Enough" I think they should automatically be booted. Even if it's my girl Megan Joy (Corkrey).

Before I get to live-blogging, a quick shout-out to MTV.COM user Trixie who had me rolling with her comment on last week's live-blog: "Was it ugly ass jacket night? WTH Danny and Anoop?" Let's face it though, if ever there was a time to wear an ugly jacket on "Idol," wouldn't it be on Grand Ole Opry night?

But enough about the past! Let's look to the present! Motown Night live-blogging begins NOW.

7:55 pm - Did you miss last week's Alexis Grace shocker? You still have time to check out the latest "Idol in 60 Seconds" recap here before we dive in to tonight's episode.

7:58 pm - "Now That's What I Call Power Ballads?" Now that's what I call hell.

7:58 pm - OMG you guys I'm so excited. I'm going to Disney World with Team Detox this weekend for a quick, random impromptu getaway and I'm totally going to try the new "American Idol" ride/show/attraction thingamajig that just opened. CANNOT WAIT!

8:00 pm - And so it begins. The top 10 looks miserable on stage during Ryan's dramatic intro. I know they're trying to look "tough" and "serious," but instead they all look like they're about to vomit. Wait, maybe they all caught Megan's bird flu from last week.

8:02 pm - The judges are all kissing Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson's butts while Seacrest is asking them questions. Hey guys, remember how you're supposed to be on television right now? [Slaps forehead.]

8:04 pm - Spoiler alert: The Funk Brothers dummer died yesterday. :(

8:05 pm - "Idol" Road Trip!! They went to Detroit to visit Motown's HQ, and the screaming fans are all there to greet them. Woah, Detroit "Idol" fans are not an attractive bunch.

8:07 pm - Trip's over, back to work. Smokey Robinson is coaching this week. I would not do well under his tutelage. I'd be constantly distracted by his tight face and green eyes.

8:08 pm - Matt Giraud's doing "Let's Get It On." This is either going to be really awesome or really icky.

8:09 pm - He's playing the piano and things are going well.

8:10 pm - Uh oh. The band kicked in and now he's walking around the stage. Holy tight pants alert! Dude, we don't need to actually be able to see that you wanna get it on, if you catch my drift. Matt's pants are to dangly bits what Megan's previous dress were to breasts.

8:10 pm - Matt just sang this line to a super-young girl in the audience: "There's nothing wrong with me loving you." It depends on the state, buddy.

8:11 pm - It was okay, but I wish he kept it focused at the piano. Once he stood up, it was a little cheeseball.

8:12 pm - The judges loved it. Paula likened his performance to a pair of "great, worn in jeans." She noticed his tight pants, too, evidently.

Read More...

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When Will Chris Brown Be Back In Court?

Posted 3/5/09 9:16 pm EST by in Chris Brown


Chris Brown appeared in court today, but he has yet to enter a plea on the two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats, in connection with his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna in early February.

So when will the R&B singer face the charges? He was granted a continuance in the case, and his arraignment has been pushed to April 6.

(For more on Chris Brown's day in court, head to MTV News.com.)

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