Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Other Stars Make Forbes' Top-Earning Of 2010 List

Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus also made the magazine's top 20 list of Hollywood moneymakers.By Jayson Rodriguez





Beyoncé

Photo: Columbia/Music World




On the East Coast, revenue streams are slowly rising as banks are still cratering and trying to recover from the recession. But out West, money ain't a thing, as Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z once rapped.
Forbes has released their list of Hollywood's 20 Highest Earners of 2010, with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus among those rubbing elbows with the likes of power players like Oprah Winfrey.
The venerable talk-show host topped the list with a whopping $315 million haul. Winfrey's earnings were generated for the most part by her multimedia deals, which include a syndication deal for her TV show, a magazine and her soon-to-be-launched network.
"Avatar" creator James Cameron came in second, more than $100 million behind Winfrey, with a tally of $210 million. Director and playwright Tyler Perry ($125 million), blockbuster movie producer Michael Bay ($120 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($105 million) rounded out the top five.
Beyoncé was the only pop star to break the top 10. The "Single Ladies" superstar landed at #9, sandwiched between George Lucas and Dr. Phil. Mrs. Carter, whose hubby, Jay-Z, was named Hip-Hop's Cash King by Forbes in August with a tally of $63 million, pulled down $87 million over the past 12 months.
The blond-haired trio of Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million) made their mark on the list at numbers 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
Pop tarts Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift capped the list. The young stars placed at 18 and 19 on the list, with Disney star Cyrus pocketing $48 million, and country singer Swift depositing $45 million into her bank account.
Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010, according to Forbes:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. James Cameron, $210 million
3. Tyler Perry, $125 million
4. Michael Bay, $120 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer, $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg, $100 million
8. George Lucas, $95 million
9. Beyoncé, $87 million
10. Dr. Phil, $80 million
11. Simon Cowell, $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld, $75 million
13. Britney Spears, $64 million
14. Lady Gaga, $62 million
15. Madonna, $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock, $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres, $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus, $48 million
19. Taylor Swift, $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million



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Can Kanye West Help Make Kim Kardashian a Pop Star?

Kim Kardashian may not be making sweet love with Kanye West, but they are creating some sweet music! The reality star and rapper have reportedly been inseparable this week, as they are filming a video together for Kardashian's first pop song.
According to E!online, the curvaceous reality star has taken on the challenge of recording an entire album and has reeled in her pal West to appear in the video for her first single. The musical masterpiece is being directed by famed director Hype Williams, who is responsible for Kanye's "Gold Digger" video.
As for the album, Kardashian has called on mega-producer The-Dream to bring her pop star aspirations to life.  And though she's not giving away too much information on her latest endeavor, she did tease her fans with a tweet or two.
"OMG you guys have no idea what I'm doing today! you are gonna die!!!!" she posted on Tuesday. "What should my alter ego name be?"
On Wednesday, she added, "What an amazing day!!! I'm finished for today...but we have a few more to go! Can't twitpic just yet but will soon!"
Do you think Kim Kardashian will be a successful pop star? Chime in below!

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Emily Blunt Says She'd Get A Face Lift To Play Katniss Everdeen In 'Hunger Games'

Can you see "The Devil Wears Prada" star Emily Blunt as kick-ass heroine Katniss Everdeen in director Gary Ross' upcoming "Hunger Games" adaptation? At 27, Blunt's a bit older than Katniss' 16 years to be sure... but if the almost-30-year-old "kids" from "Glee" can do it, why not Emily?
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Beyonce's Banned Perfume Ad Defended By Company

The spot is 'intended to reflect the singer Beyoncé's personal 'sexy chic' style,' says fragrance maker Coty.By Jocelyn Vena





Beyoncé in her ad for Heat

Photo: Coty UK




Beyoncé's steamy new ad for her perfume, Heat, recently gathered some heat of its own from the U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority — which banned the commercial from the country's daytime TV rotation because of its sexy imagery. Now the company that makes Heat is speaking out about the sanction brought against the ad, which features the singer in a skin-tight, hot-red satin minidress, touching herself and showing some skin.
In a statement from perfume maker Coty that was posted on AceShowbiz.com, the company notes that it doesn't think there's anything too explicit about the TV spot, maintaining that it is "intended to reflect the singer Beyoncé's personal 'sexy chic' style." And while Beyoncé's cleavage is exposed at certain parts of the commercial, Coty added that it's not "overtly graphic or explicitly sexual and at no point was Beyoncé naked."
The company continued, "It was aimed at a vast selection of music programs to target a young adult audience. It would therefore be consistent with the expectations of viewers of those sorts of programs."
In a statement posted on its website, the advertising watchdog said that it has received several complaints about the Jake Nava-directed spot, which initially was aired throughout the day during family programming and now only will be shown after 7:30 p.m. The organization said, "We considered that Beyoncé's body movements and the camera's prolonged focus on shots of her dress slipping away to partially expose her breasts created a sexually provocative ad that was unsuitable to be seen by young children."
Do you think Beyoncé's commercial is too sexy to air in the day? Tell us in the comments!



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Justin Bieber's Early Drummer Days Featured In 'Never Say Never'

Friends and family talk about Bieber's evolution as a drummer in new clip from upcoming 3-D film.By Terri Schwartz





Justin Bieber in "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never"

Photo: Paramount Pictures




The February 11 release of John Chu's 3-D doc "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" is fast approaching, and in addition to the Biebs' many tweets about the flick, we now have another glimpse at what it has in store for eager fans. A new clip from the film shows how Bieber's talent for drums surfaced at a young age. It's also full of more cute Bieber baby videos.

"He never had any lessons or anything. I just never thought of it being anything other than for fun," Bieber's mother, Pattie Malette, says in the clip.
Bieber's drum collection quickly expanded from a handheld drum to a mini drum kit, and eventually, his family friends held a benefit concert and raised enough money to buy the young prodigy his own set of Pearl drums.
The 16-year-old pop star made waves at the 2010 VMAs when he rocked out on the drums during his amplified set. He also showed off his skills on the skins at the 2009 Jingle Ball in Sacramento, where he played an impressive drum solo during Cobra Starship's performance. Starship frontman Gabe Saporta, who had been trying to challenge Bieber to a dance off, tweeted after the fact, "Justin Bieber smoked me hard tonight. He couldn't win the dance off. But he shredded a gnarly drum solo. I back this kid on the real. Legit."
Bieber wouldn't be the first artist to start out behind the kit before his vocal capabilities propelled him to the spotlight. He joins the powerful ranks of drummers-turned-singers such as Dave Grohl, Phil Collins, Karen Carpenter, Ringo Starr and Tommy Lee.



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Kanye West's Unfinished 'Monster' Video Leaks Online

Gory video features Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and images of decapitated women and zombies feasting on flesh.By Gil Kaufman





Kanye West (file)

Photo: Lester Cohen/ Getty Images




The lyrics to Kanye West's all-star track "Monster" are full of dark images of bloodsuckers, dead hands, the devil, sarcophagi, ghouls, goblins, murder, fangs and Chucky from "Child's Play."
And though he's not often one to take such a literal path in the imagery that accompanies his songs, a leaked version of the unfinished video for West's "Monster" lives up to the gruesome, blood-drenched lyrical barbs served up in the song by Yeezy, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj. The fuller version is in keeping with the gory glimpses seen in late November when a preview leaked online.

At press time, West had not commented on the leak, but online hip-hop communities were abuzz about the transgressive nature of the images in the five-minute clip. It opens with the disturbing sight of several woman in lingerie and high heels hanging from nooses around Ross as he sits on a throne and smokes a cigar, then switches to a scene of West being groped by the hands of unseen women reaching through a metal gate.
As he raps about "the best living or dead, hands down, huh?" West pops up shirtless on a bed with electric-blue sheets next to two hollow-eyed women in lingerie. They appear to be dead as he positions their limp arms around each other. What follows are scenes in which a woman in a designer dress drags a lifeless man's body across the floor and then draws blood as she steps on his chest with her spiked heels.
The clip, which borrows heavily from monster and horror movie tropes seen in such films as "Saw," "Night of the Living Dead" and "American Psycho," depicts Kanye in a mansion trying to hold back a horde of zombie attackers, dead women splayed out on dinner tables, a zombie couple feasting on a bloody corpse, glowing-eyed ghoulies crawling down halls, Jay-Z rapping in a crisp suit in front of a dead naked woman draped face-down on a leather couch, and West standing in cowboy gear while holding a woman's severed head.
Amidst all these graphic images of decapitated and dismembered female forms comes a scene in which Nicki, wearing black leather bondage gear and wielding a leather riding crop, engages in a psychological showdown with herself. She's seen riding herd over a hooded figure in a white wedding dress strapped to an executioner's chair, wielding a long, sharp sword. Once the hood is removed, it's clear that Minaj is confronting her pink-wigged Barbie alter ego as the two sides of her personality engage in a death match that swings from a lap dance to seeming threats of murder.
The flesh feast ends with glimpses of a female werewolf in black teddy and rocking bushy grey muttonchops dancing in front of a fire, West cuddling in bed with his deceased female companions and pale hands reaching out from behind a door.
No release date has been announced for the official version of the "Monster" video.



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Justin Bieber Tweets About His 'Fun' 2010, Prepares For 2011

'Chillin and happy. Its been a fun year with a lot of blessings,' Bieber writes on Twitter.By Jocelyn Vena





Justin Bieber

Photo: Larry Marano/ Getty Images




It's been quite a year for Justin Bieber. Everywhere he went, madness ensued and he managed to go from pop newbie to legitimate superstar over the course of the past 12 months.
So, when Bieber hit Twitter this week to share some reflections about his jet-setting new life, he was quick to point out that right now he just needed some time to chill out and decompress. "Another solid day hanging with the family and friends. love the #holidays," he wrote. "New years is coming....what is gonna be your new years resolution?" He then tweeted a link to the music video for "Pray," followed by a brief message that said, "Need the rest. #grateful"
Bieber certainly deserves some rest. He's been non-stop all year: touring, releasing not one but two albums, filming his 3-D movie "Never Say Never," working with everyone from his mentor Usher to Kanye West and Raekwon, and even introducing the world to his rapping alter ego, Shawty Mane.
"Chillin and happy. Its been a fun year with a lot of blessings," Bieber wrote later on Twitter. "Some crazy rumors but so much love and memories. We r just gettin started!! So enjoy the holidays. Get crazy and have some laughs. Life is too short. At least that is what they tell me. #newyearsIsComin"
Bieber wasn't lying when he said that he was just getting started. 2011 is looking to be another crazy year for the singer. His first feature film, "Never Say Never," is set to premiere in February; he'll be back on the road with Willow Smith in the spring; and he's working on new music — including collaborations with Diddy and Rascal Flatts — that likely will be released sometime in the new year.
What are you most looking forward to from Bieber in 2011?



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Britney Spears WILL Release Her New Single On January 7, 2011

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Britney Spears: A Look Back At Her Singles ... So Far

With her new album due in March, we revisit some of the pop princess' many hits.By Jocelyn Vena





Britney Spears

Photo: Jive




Now that Britney Spears has announced that she will be releasing a new album in March 2011, fans must be wondering what her latest musical endeavor will sound like. The as-yet-untitled effort is a follow-up to 2008's well-received Circus, which helped resurrect the singer's career after a dark time in her life. No information regarding the upcoming album has emerged, but Britney's faithful followers have watched her change up her look and sound with each single over the span of her decade-plus career, as she evolved from a bubblegum-pop princess to a sexy dance-club siren. Let's trace Spears' musical journey by taking a look at some of her most memorable tunes.

In 1999, a fresh-faced Spears released " ...Baby One More Time" (produced by Max Martin), the title track off her massive debut album. She got the conversation about her sexuality started thanks to a provocative video in which she danced around in a Catholic school uniform, as well as the song's equally provocative lyrics, where she longingly sang, "My loneliness is killing me/ I must confess, I still believe/ When I'm not with you I lose my mind/ Give me a sign/ Hit me baby one more time." It's to be noted that the song originally was intended for TLC.
In the video for "Oops! ... I Did It Again" (produced by Martin and Rami Yacoub), Spears' smash from the 2000 album of the same name, the pigtails and skirt were gone, replaced by a red catsuit. That visual, as well as the song's lyrical content, reflected Spears' evolution from naughty schoolgirl to intergalactic sex kitten, both in her video and on the song's lyrical content.
For "I'm a Slave 4 U" (produced by the Neptunes) off 2001's Britney, Spears declared her sexual independence. No longer was she just teasing about the idea that she loved the beat of dance music and how sexy it made her feel, instead she was explicitly sharing it with the world. Plus, who could forget all the sweat in that video.
In 2003, Spears teamed up with the Queen of Pop, Madonna, for "Me Against the Music" (produced by Christopher Stewart and Penelope Magnet), the sexy lead single from In the Zone. While the darker, more synth-heavy "Toxic" would become the album's defining tune, "Me Against the Music" picked up where "Slave" left off: Spears battling the demon she has inside of her that just loves to come out on the dance floor.
After a few years of not putting out any music, Spears hit the club again with 2007's "Gimme More" (produced by Danja) off the aptly titled Blackout. Between the release of In the Zone and Blackout, Spears had married, divorced and become a mother — she also had started to act erratically. The track, which relied more heavily on underground dance and electro than most of Spears' previous singles, was a highly sexualized tune about getting it on.
After the darkness of Blackout, Spears got back to her fun and frolicking old ways on the 2008 Circus single "Womanizer" (produced by the Outsyders). The track was a return to form for Spears after the lackluster response to Blackout, and it brought the discussion back around to her music and away from her sometimes topsy-turvy personal life. In the song's video, Spears gets back at a player, and really has the last laugh. The clip also features ffotage of a completely nude Britney in a steamy sauna.
In 2009, Spears shot to the top of the charts with the danceable track "Three" (produced by Martin and Shellback) off The Singles Collection. The tune was an instant smash, and featured Spears robotically singing about a ménage à trois over a club beat.
As for what's next for the singer, very little is known about her forthcoming album, although a couple of her producers have dropped some hints. Dr. Luke said that the music will "be a departure from what you've heard," while Danja called it "hard-hitting, uptempo [and] high-energy." Spears, meanwhile, is very clear about how she thinks the record is sounding. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!" she tweeted.
Are you looking forward to Britney's new album? Share your thoughts in the comments.



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It's Britney Spears' Birthday! A Look At What's Next For Her

Spears, who turns 29 on Thursday (December 2), hints about new tracks.By Jocelyn Vena





Britney Spears

Photo: Fame Pictures




Britney Spears remained relatively low-key in 2010. She was too busy recording her new album, a follow-up to 2008's Circus, to do much more than make an appearance on an episode of "Glee" dedicated to her.
As 2010 comes to a close, and Spears blows out another candle on her birthday cake — she turns 29 on Thursday (December 2) — fans are readying to hear some new jams from the pop princess.
In November, Spears' manager, Adam Leber, revealed that she would be recording a track with "... Baby One More Time" mastermind Max Martin, as well as fellow superproducer Dr. Luke, calling the tune a likely "smash." He also shared that the album would sound "progressive" and that ''it'll be a departure from what you've heard" in the past.
In mid-November, she tweeted about the Martin/Luke track, writing, "Just finished recording a monster with @TheDoctorLuke and #MaxMartin. Get ready..."
And Dr. Luke, while not specifying that he's referring to Britney, in a not-so-subtle hint tweeted last week, "Time to get this song out the door and out to mix.. I think you know what artist i'm talking Bout... Right???"
While not much has been confirmed about the album or when it might be released, several producers have talked about working on songs for the singer. "We can start one way and end up a totally different way. I really don't know," Danja said earlier this year. "I'm definitely gonna do my part and try to make it hard-hitting, up-tempo, high-energy. That's what I think we need, and that's what I'm gonna shoot for."
Send birthday wishes to Britney in the comments section below!



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Ronald Isley, Anita Baker Honored At Soul Train Awards

Rihanna, Eminem, Usher, B.o.B, Alicia Keys among winners at event celebrating 40th anniversary of classic music show.By Joel Hanek and Gil Kaufman





Anita Baker at the 2010 Soul Train Awards

Photo: Moses Robinson/ Getty Images




Only at the Soul Train Awards could you have a tribute to R&B icons such as Anita Baker and Ronald Isley alongside a segment in which rap legend Doug E. Fresh attempts to teach CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer how to do the Dougie.

It was that kind of night at the 2010 Soul Train Awards, as rookies, veterans and legends came together in Atlanta for the second annual event — which was taped November 10 and aired Sunday night on BET. The show, hosted once again by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, featured a night of performances from some of the biggest names in soul and R&B.
Host Howard told MTV News that the show is meant to be an extension of the long-running and legendary '70s TV series that brought soul, disco, R&B and rap stars into viewers' living rooms. "It reminds me of the advancement black people have made over the years because 'Soul Train' really was the beginning of that Black Power movement when we could actually see ourselves — and to have an awards show based upon that 'Soul Train' — it's headed somewhere," Howard said. "We have a black president now. The country seems to be more tolerant towards the diversity inside of it so it seems like the train is moving well down the tracks."
The awards show marked the 40th anniversary of the classic music showcase hosted by Don Cornelius, and celebrated the careers of Baker and Isley, while handing out trophies to such contemporary stars as B.o.B (Song of the Year for "Nothing on You"), Melanie Fiona (Best New Artist), Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).
Though top winners such as Trey Songz, Usher, Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were not in the house, Blitzer graciously agreed to accept Slim Shady's award for him, joking, "Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem ... I know he's thrilled."
Weaving through a series of skits involving magic tricks and jovial bickering by the hosts, the performance-heavy program delivered on talent. R. Kelly opened by teasing the crowd with his classic "Bump n' Grind," then diving into his new single "When a Woman Loves" — transforming the song from a slow jam into an all-out '50s rock-and-roll epic. Ne-Yo kept the show moving with a showcase of his singles from this year, including "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million."
The tribute to Baker featured an all-star cast, with artists like Chrisette Michele, Goapele, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris, Kem, Tamia, Faith Evans and El DeBarge covering a medley of the singer's greatest hits. Baker told the crowd that the biggest honor of the night for her was that real musicians were performing live with an actual band. "It's amazing because you've got children behind you singing 'Rapture' — it's lovely," she said, adding, "Let's do it again!"
Ronald Isley, co-founder and lead singer of the Isley Brothers, also received a special homage that featured Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, DeBarge, Tank, Eric Benet, Bilal and Peabo Bryson. Isley also came out to perform his own medley of hits and was joined onstage by Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for a rendition of "Contagious," their 2002 single that featured the Isleys. In addition, Cee Lo Green closed the show with a duet on the Isleys' classic 1959 hit, "Shout."
Among the event's other highlights was Cee Lo's performance of his smash "Forget You," which took place on a golden stage that resembled a cross between Kanye's Egyptian fusion and an OK Go video, and found the singer gliding down conveyor belts while belting his number.
Erykah Badu delivered a stripped-down version of her 2010 breakout "Window Seat" that featured the singer perched on the floor over a web of lights while appearing to orchestrate the vibrations of light flickers with her hands.
Soul singer Eric Benet performed "Sometimes a Cry" — a song that Lil Wayne cited as one of his favorites while in prison — bringing down the house with a soaring falsetto that bested his studio rendition of the track.
The evening's other performers included Bruno Mars, who sang his new hit "Grenade," and Jazmine Sullivan, who did a medley of "10 Seconds" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)."
Did you watch the 2010 Soul Train Awards? Tell us about your favorite highlights in the comments.



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Get Ready for a TV Talent Show Smackdown in 2011

There's one thing we know for sure about TV in 2011: It's going to be a big year for talent competitions. Soldiering on without Simon Cowell next month, American Idol will try to hang onto its monster-hit ratings with new, superstar judges and a reconfigured format. Also kicking off in January is Paula Abdul's televised dance competition, Live to Dance. And later in the year, Cowell will launch the U.S. version of his British powerhouse of a singing competition, The X Factor.

Will that last show knock Idol out of the water? Will viewers tune into Live to Dance to see Abdul, or will dance fans stick with old standbys like Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance? Will American Idol be able to hold onto its status as an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, even as its ratings have already begun to drop (albeit just a little)?
Here's a cheat-sheet on what each show has in store:
American Idol, Fox 
Premieres: Jan. 19
Latest promo: The usual stuff. Horrendous wannabe singers failing to hit notes, and the pained reactions of grimacing judges.

Judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

What's different from past Idol seasons: Well, obviously the two fresh judges! And producers are introducing some new, reality-TV-type elements, like a plan to film the contestants while living in a house together and on a road trip to Vegas.
Live to Dance, CBS 
Premieres: Jan. 4
Latest promo: An all glammed-up Abdul anchors the judging panel while dancers of all ages, both solo and in groups, perform in a competition that looks a lot like American Idol, the Dancing Version.

Judges: Abdul; choreographer Travis Payne; and singer/dancer Kimberly Wyatt

What's different from Idol: Perky Paula won't just judge, but will also mentor and guide contestants through the process. "[Contestants] can be anywhere from 6 to 106," Abdul told TV Guide. "And I don't try to take them out of their element and do routines in a style they've never done before." Yeah, not like those mean Idol producers, who force contestants to stretch themselves! But seriously, Abdul's show will probably be more likely to rival Fox's So You Think You Can Dance -- and that show won't be on again until summer 2011. 
The X Factor, Fox 
Premieres: Sept. 2011
Latest promo: Oh, please, this isn't a real promo! No actual information is given about this show, which is the U.S. version of Cowell's hit singing competition in England. But this is, after all, the series that Cowell left Idol for. So maybe that's enough of a teaser.

Judges: Cowell and…we're about to find out. Cowell says he'll announce the names of his co-judges next month. Some names that have been tossed around but not confirmed: The Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger, British pop singer Cheryl Cole and even George Michael.

What's different from Idol: There's hardly any age limit. The judges double as mentors, and they get judged, too. And there's some other aspects Cowell won't divulge. "I'm not going to tell people in advance what we're doing," Cowell told Deadline.com. "What I will say is that it will be like nothing else you've seen before on American TV, I guarantee you that." Wow. How could you not watch that? He's so crafty, that Simon.

Do you think viewers will get tired of all these talent competitions? Chime in below!

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In spring 2009, just as Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio) were getting ready to put out their debut full-length, 'The Devil You Know,' Dio and bassist Geezer Butler sat down in an apartment in New York's East Village to talk about the making of the disc, the sorry state of the [...]

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Lindsay Lohan Is Considering Legal Action Over Movie Spoof

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Seemingly always involved in some sort of drama these days, Miley Cyrus is once again facing a photo leak consisting of a few racy personal pictures.
The latest offering contains no nudity while depicting the "Hannah Montana" star clad in a barely-there dress as her assistant pretended to delve in for a chest lick.
Miley's latest photo snafu comes just a month after the teens tar made headlines upon being shown on videotape smoking a bong allegedly packed with salvia as part of her 18th birthday celebrations.
None-too-pleased with his daughter's actions, Billy Ray has let it be known that Miley's doings are beyond his control - as he's currently in the midst of separating from now ex-wife, Tish.

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Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Other Stars Make Forbes' Top-Earning Of 2010 List

Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus also made the magazine's top 20 list of Hollywood moneymakers.By Jayson Rodriguez





Beyoncé

Photo: Columbia/Music World




On the East Coast, revenue streams are slowly rising as banks are still cratering and trying to recover from the recession. But out West, money ain't a thing, as Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z once rapped.
Forbes has released their list of Hollywood's 20 Highest Earners of 2010, with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus among those rubbing elbows with the likes of power players like Oprah Winfrey.
The venerable talk-show host topped the list with a whopping $315 million haul. Winfrey's earnings were generated for the most part by her multimedia deals, which include a syndication deal for her TV show, a magazine and her soon-to-be-launched network.
"Avatar" creator James Cameron came in second, more than $100 million behind Winfrey, with a tally of $210 million. Director and playwright Tyler Perry ($125 million), blockbuster movie producer Michael Bay ($120 million) and golfer Tiger Woods ($105 million) rounded out the top five.
Beyoncé was the only pop star to break the top 10. The "Single Ladies" superstar landed at #9, sandwiched between George Lucas and Dr. Phil. Mrs. Carter, whose hubby, Jay-Z, was named Hip-Hop's Cash King by Forbes in August with a tally of $63 million, pulled down $87 million over the past 12 months.
The blond-haired trio of Britney Spears ($64 million), Lady Gaga ($62 million) and Madonna ($58 million) made their mark on the list at numbers 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
Pop tarts Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift capped the list. The young stars placed at 18 and 19 on the list, with Disney star Cyrus pocketing $48 million, and country singer Swift depositing $45 million into her bank account.
Hollywood's 20 highest-earning men and women of 2010, according to Forbes:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. James Cameron, $210 million
3. Tyler Perry, $125 million
4. Michael Bay, $120 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
6. Jerry Bruckheimer, $100 million
7. Steven Spielberg, $100 million
8. George Lucas, $95 million
9. Beyoncé, $87 million
10. Dr. Phil, $80 million
11. Simon Cowell, $80 million
12. Jerry Seinfeld, $75 million
13. Britney Spears, $64 million
14. Lady Gaga, $62 million
15. Madonna, $58 million
16. Sandra Bullock, $56 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres, $55 million
18. Miley Cyrus, $48 million
19. Taylor Swift, $45 million
20. Judge Judy Sheindlin, $45 million



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Beyoncé - Ego (Remix)

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Usher's 'OMG' ' 'Kills It Every Night,' Says Tourmate Miguel

'There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out,' Miguel says of MTV News' Song of the Year.By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker





Usher

Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images




MTV News just named Usher's "OMG" the #1 song of 2010, and clearly we're not alone in our admiration. But what is it like to watch it performed night after night? Miguel, who is currently opening for Usher's OMG Tour gave us a little insight.
"There's so much anticipation for this song when he comes out, and he really gives the fans what they want," Miguel laughs. "He kills it every night."
Before his latest string of hits, Usher was out of the spotlight for a period of time in 2009, when he was dealing with personal issues including a divorce. Miguel finds his 2010 comeback inspiring.
"There was a period of time, when a lot of people didn't believe in Usher and thought he was finished ... just kind of going to ride off into the sunset and disappear," the up-and-coming singer noted.
With the release of Raymond vs. Raymond and its extended, companion EP, Versus, in 2010, Usher proved the skeptics wrong with chart-toppers including "OMG" and "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love."
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel beamed. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
MTV News' Top 25 Songs of 2010 have all been counted down. But the fun isn't over yet: We still want to see your picks in the comments below!



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'Tron Legacy' Is A Virtual Hit At The Weekend Box Office

Disney's relaunch of 1980s sci-fi classic soars, while 'Yogi Bear' feasts on modest second-place snack.By Josh Wigler





Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde in "Tron Legacy"

Photo: Disney




Twenty-eight years after the first film's release, the "Tron" franchise is officially back on the gaming grid. Walt Disney Pictures has poured a lot of time, money and effort behind "Tron Legacy," and it shows: The visceral techno-punk ride relies strongly on big-budget effects and a bass-heavy score from Daft Punk, all of which work on a surface level, but the question remains was it a commercial success?
Monetarily, "Legacy" was the weekend's clear winner, taking home a first-place prize worth $43.6 million. But some have been hesitant to call the result a flat-out victory, given the fact that it cost a reported $170 million to produce the Jeff Bridges and Olivia Wilde-starring reboot. That price tag doesn't even account for the various marketing and promotional efforts, which had more to do with "Tron" as a brand and less with the actual movie itself. With so much riding on solid box-office returns, the opening-weekend performance of "Legacy" wasn't exactly stellar.

In comparison, just a year ago James Cameron's "Avatar" debuted in theaters to a relatively lackluster $77 million opening weekend before going on to rule the box office for several weeks on a successful quest to become the world's highest-grossing movie of all time. It's not likely that "Legacy" will meet that same level of success, but with the Christmas holiday season in full effect as of next weekend, the "Tron" sequel could be saved if it shows some serious staying power.
Even if "Tron" didn't set the box office fully ablaze, it was easily the leader of the pack amongst new competition. "Yogi Bear" broke into the picnic basket and came up with a mere $16.7 million, not a surprising turnout given the mostly negative reviews thrown in the family film's direction. James L. Brooks' last week's box-office champ sunk to third place with a relatively disappointing $12.4 million take.
Awards-season favorites "The Fighter" and "Black Swan" expanded locations this weekend, and it showed in the numbers: The Mark Wahlberg-starring boxing drama punched out $12.2 million for fourth place while Natalie Portman's ballet thriller danced up $8.3 million to land in seventh place.
The Box-Office Top Five
#1 "Tron Legacy" ($43.6 million)
#2 "Yogi Bear" ($16.7 million)
#3 "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" ($12.4 million)
#4 "The Fighter" ($12.2 million)
#5 "The Tourist" ($8.7 million)
Upcoming Releases
It's Christmas time at the box office next weekend, an occasion marked by the arrival of Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro's "Little Fockers" on Wednesday alongside the Coen brothers' latest western, "True Grit." The competition blows up on Saturday when Jack Black sails onto screens with "Gulliver's Travels."
Check out everything we've got on "Tron Legacy," "Yogi Bear" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.



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'Glee' Britney Spears Episode Slammed By Parents Television Council

Group describes show as 'an endorsement of narcotics abuse, public masturbation, and school-sanctioned burlesque.'By James Dinh





Heather Morris in the "Britney/Brittany" episode of "Glee"

Photo: FOX




Last week's episode of "Glee" found Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) shouting, "It's a Britney Spears sex riot!" as she attempted to put a stop to the glee club's saucy rendition of "Toxic."
But she's not the only one who had an issue with the Spears takeover at William McKinley High School. The hit Fox show has come under fire as the Parents Television Council has deemed the "Britney/Brittany" episode the "Worst TV Show of the Week" due to the broadcast's "explicit sexual content."
A message posted on the organization's website decries the episode's "skimpy outfits" and "sultry grinds" during "I'm a Slave 4 U." And even though "Glee" castmembers show very little skin in the re-creation for the 2001 Madonna duet "Me Against the Music," the PTC said the interpretation included "plenty of girl-girl bumping and grinding."
According to the group, the tribute to the always-controversial Spears wasn't appropriate because the singer is far from a suitable role model.
"Glee earned its highest ratings ever with this Britney Spears tribute, drawing 13.3 million viewers," the message continued. "A scary thought considering that the mostly young teen/tween audience basically witnessed an endorsement of narcotics abuse, public masturbation, and school-sanctioned burlesque. But perhaps most troubling is the deification of a troubled pop star into a symbol of empowerment and self-esteem. Considering her stints in rehab, her very public breakdowns, and her questionable parenting skills, there is absolutely no way Spears should be considered a role model. The producers of the show can spare us the old song-and-dance about fallen celebs turning their lives around. What's next? Portraying Ike Turner as a reformed feminist?"
Spears knows controversy and criticism far too well. Since the beginning of her career, she's always raised eyebrows with everything from her sex-kitten public image to her sometimes-questionable parental judgment. While the pop star has played it relatively safe since her comeback, the singer did make headlines last year for her suggestive single "If U Seek Amy," the third offering from her album Circus.
Do you think the "Britney/Brittany" episode of "Glee" was inappropriate? Tell us in the comments below!



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Ke$ha Says Rihanna 'Meant Absolutely No Offense'

'I'm so used to the media flipping my words around,' singer tells Complex.By James Dinh





Ke$ha on the December 2010 issue of <i>Complex</i>

Photo: Complex




Pop-star rivalry has been around for years. Whether it was Britney vs. Christina or Mariah vs. Whitney, there's always been an underlying competition between your favorite female pop singers. But don't expect any animosity between today's stars, at least not from Ke$ha.
The wilding-out singer, who's the latest Complex cover girl, spoke with the magazine about her pop-star peers, including Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.
"I actually think that's cool," the singer said of the female stars she's being compared to. "Out of that group of chicks, I'm the new bitch on the block, so I'm still getting used to being compared to some of the biggest pop stars in the world, but I don't take any offense to it.
That just means people know my records."
Earlier this year, Ke$ha teamed up with Rihanna for the Barbadian bombshell's girl-power trek, the Last Girl on Earth Tour. Despite the duo's pairing, the blogosphere went into a fury when Rihanna recently revealed that she "didn't want the generic pop record that Ke$ha or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry could do."
The party-loving pop star admitted that she hadn't even read the quote, suggesting that the media may have taken Rih's comments out of context.
"I'm so used to the media flipping my words around that I'm sure she meant absolutely no offense to me or Katy or Gaga," said the singer.
"Rihanna and me are totally cool, we were just on tour together, and I know that she and Katy are good friends. I don't take any offense because I'm sure it's bullsh-- anyway."
Based on the garbage-bag ensemble she wore to this year's MTV Video Music Awards, it seems that Ke$ha could care less about other people's opinions. "I was trying to look super-hot," she said. "I like to poke fun at when people make fun of me, because I don't take myself that seriously. People say I'm 'garbage chic,' so I thought I'd take it to the next level and make a garbage bag super f---ing chic — and I succeeded!"
As for now, the singer is focusing on her recently released Cannibal, a companion album to her debut, Animal.
Do you think there's competition between any of today's pop stars?
Share your thoughts below!
Open the floodgates! It's Mega-Release Week, with Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Ke$ha, My Chemical Romance and Lloyd Banks all dropping new albums. Stick with MTV News for everything you need to know about the brand-new music.



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Britney Spears Producer Dr. Luke Calls Singer 'An Amazing Vehicle'

Album's co-executive producer expects new album out by early 2011.By James Dinh





Britney Spears

Photo: Jeremy Cowart/ WireImage




While "Glee" was spot-on in its tribute to Britney Spears in September, it's safe to say her fans are ready for the real deal. The pop princess, who has remained relatively low-key since wrapping up her Circus Tour, is currently working on her new album with a few familiar faces, including producers Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
"She's such an icon, I don't want to let anyone down," Dr. Luke said last week at the Hollywood Reporter/ Billboard Film & TV Music Conference. "But most importantly, I want to make good music."
Luke said that he is anticipating that Britney's album will see an early 2011 release, and a source told THR it would hit stores before March 31.
In addition to Dr. Luke ("Circus") and Martin ("... Baby One More Time"), Darkchild and newcomer Billboard are also said to be working with Spears.
When asked if there were anything else he could reveal about the heavily guarded project, Luke wouldn't say much. "Just that I'm excited to be co-executive producing with Max Martin, the person who kind of invented Britney, and to make good music," he said. "And she's such an amazing vehicle to getting that music out to a lot of people in every country."
With Luke and Martin helming the project, fans may expect to hear Spears sounding like the producers' frequent collaborators Katy Perry and Ke$ha. But there have also been indications that Brit will take a fresher approach. Last month, Spears' manager Adam Leber spoke to Entertainment Weekly about her next album, promising that it will introduce a "progressive" sound from the pop star.
''It'll be a departure from what you've heard,'' he added.
What producers would you like to see Britney team up with? Sound off below!



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Britney Spears: A Look Back At Her Singles ... So Far

With her new album due in March, we revisit some of the pop princess' many hits.By Jocelyn Vena





Britney Spears

Photo: Jive




Now that Britney Spears has announced that she will be releasing a new album in March 2011, fans must be wondering what her latest musical endeavor will sound like. The as-yet-untitled effort is a follow-up to 2008's well-received Circus, which helped resurrect the singer's career after a dark time in her life. No information regarding the upcoming album has emerged, but Britney's faithful followers have watched her change up her look and sound with each single over the span of her decade-plus career, as she evolved from a bubblegum-pop princess to a sexy dance-club siren. Let's trace Spears' musical journey by taking a look at some of her most memorable tunes.

In 1999, a fresh-faced Spears released " ...Baby One More Time" (produced by Max Martin), the title track off her massive debut album. She got the conversation about her sexuality started thanks to a provocative video in which she danced around in a Catholic school uniform, as well as the song's equally provocative lyrics, where she longingly sang, "My loneliness is killing me/ I must confess, I still believe/ When I'm not with you I lose my mind/ Give me a sign/ Hit me baby one more time." It's to be noted that the song originally was intended for TLC.
In the video for "Oops! ... I Did It Again" (produced by Martin and Rami Yacoub), Spears' smash from the 2000 album of the same name, the pigtails and skirt were gone, replaced by a red catsuit. That visual, as well as the song's lyrical content, reflected Spears' evolution from naughty schoolgirl to intergalactic sex kitten, both in her video and on the song's lyrical content.
For "I'm a Slave 4 U" (produced by the Neptunes) off 2001's Britney, Spears declared her sexual independence. No longer was she just teasing about the idea that she loved the beat of dance music and how sexy it made her feel, instead she was explicitly sharing it with the world. Plus, who could forget all the sweat in that video.
In 2003, Spears teamed up with the Queen of Pop, Madonna, for "Me Against the Music" (produced by Christopher Stewart and Penelope Magnet), the sexy lead single from In the Zone. While the darker, more synth-heavy "Toxic" would become the album's defining tune, "Me Against the Music" picked up where "Slave" left off: Spears battling the demon she has inside of her that just loves to come out on the dance floor.
After a few years of not putting out any music, Spears hit the club again with 2007's "Gimme More" (produced by Danja) off the aptly titled Blackout. Between the release of In the Zone and Blackout, Spears had married, divorced and become a mother — she also had started to act erratically. The track, which relied more heavily on underground dance and electro than most of Spears' previous singles, was a highly sexualized tune about getting it on.
After the darkness of Blackout, Spears got back to her fun and frolicking old ways on the 2008 Circus single "Womanizer" (produced by the Outsyders). The track was a return to form for Spears after the lackluster response to Blackout, and it brought the discussion back around to her music and away from her sometimes topsy-turvy personal life. In the song's video, Spears gets back at a player, and really has the last laugh. The clip also features ffotage of a completely nude Britney in a steamy sauna.
In 2009, Spears shot to the top of the charts with the danceable track "Three" (produced by Martin and Shellback) off The Singles Collection. The tune was an instant smash, and featured Spears robotically singing about a ménage à trois over a club beat.
As for what's next for the singer, very little is known about her forthcoming album, although a couple of her producers have dropped some hints. Dr. Luke said that the music will "be a departure from what you've heard," while Danja called it "hard-hitting, uptempo [and] high-energy." Spears, meanwhile, is very clear about how she thinks the record is sounding. "I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!" she tweeted.
Are you looking forward to Britney's new album? Share your thoughts in the comments.



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Britney Spears Inspired 'Country Strong' Lead, Director Says

'I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears,' filmmaker Shana Feste says of crafting upcoming flick.By Mawuse Ziegbe





Britney Spears

Photo: Fame Pictures




Gwyneth Paltrow may have honed her country-music skills for her role in the upcoming flick "Country Strong," but her troubled character was actually inspired by a pop sensation.
In the film, Paltrow plays embattled crooner Kelly Canter, who fights to resurrect her struggling career as a music superstar. Writer/director Shana Feste recently told the Los Angeles Times that Paltrow's onscreen drama was inspired by the very public meltdown of pop megastar Britney Spears.
"That's where this movie came from. I mean, I was seeing what was happening in the media to Britney Spears," Feste said.
The filmmaker also added that wrapping up the script coincided with the outsize media frenzy surrounding another superstar. "I finished the script when Michael Jackson passed away," she revealed.
Feste also lamented the dark side of celebrity-making, which entails ripping apart a once-beloved public figure at the first misstep. "I think it's tragic how we treat people who give us so much, and we love to see them knocked down to build them back up again, to knock them down again," she said. "It's a weird fascination."
Paltrow has said that work on the project was challenging, due to both the physical and creative demands of the role.
"It was brutal," she told MTV News in September. "It was a brutal shoot. I mean, I wasn't naked, naked, but I was semi-naked, in various stages of undress. [My character] has a drug and alcohol problem, so she's struggling a lot. It was a lot of fun for me, as an artist."
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Gwyneth Paltrow Turned To Robert Downey Jr. For 'Country Strong' Insight

Paltrow asked her 'Iron Man' co-star for help understanding her drug-addicted character.By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz





Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo: MTV News




For her role in "Country Strong" (in theaters this week), Gwyneth Paltrow didn't just face the challenge of singing and recording country music. In order to embody her character — fallen Nashville star Kelly Canter — she also tapped into some dark elements that are unfortunately tied to the pitfalls of being a celebrity: addiction and drug use.

When MTV News caught up with the Oscar winner, we asked her how she was able to harness a dark side for the film.
"I'm a very dark person," she joked. "Don't let me fool you.
"I think we all have darkness, don't we?" she said, seriously. "I certainly do. I've been through a lot. I know people who have been through a lot, and there's always a lot to draw from. You see things, I think, when you're an actor. You notice behavior and you notice stuff. It all kind of goes into the computer."
Interestingly enough, Paltrow ended up reaching out to her "Iron Man" co-star and friend Robert Downey Jr. — who has been through his share of career ups and downs — for his insight into what leads a person into that addictive, self-destructive behavior.
"[I reached out to him] because I understood addiction, I used to be very addicted to cigarettes," Paltrow revealed. "I understood that, 'This is bad for me. My father has throat cancer, but I'm going to smoke this,' but I couldn't understand in terms of wrecking other people's lives in your wake and just being so altered and so drunk or on pills that you embarrass yourself and you wreck people's lives and you cheat on people. All that stuff ... it was a whole other level.
"He really helped me understand how you get there," she said of Downey. "He wrote me this amazing e-mail. I was like, 'OK, I get it now.' "
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'Tron Legacy' Owns Weekend Box Office With $43.6 Million

Sci-fi sequel lands in theaters with hefty debut.By Mawuse Ziegbe





A scene from "Tron Legacy"

Photo: Disney




In a box office heavy with fresh takes on time-tested material, "Tron Legacy" led the pack when it came to filling theaters over the weekend.
The 21st century revisit of the 1982 sci-fi flick "Tron" owned the box office during its debut. The high-tech adventure, which stars Jeff Bridges and Garrett Hedlund, rang up $43.6 million in ticket sales.
The CGI-assisted, live-action romp "Yogi Bear" debuted in second place, although it lagged far behind "Tron." The contemporary take on the beloved kids cartoon, which features voice-over performances from Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake as the mischievous partners in picnic-basket-snatching Yogi and Boo Boo, nabbed $16.7 million.
"Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" spent its second week in theaters in third place. Audiences shelled out $12.4 million to catch the latest installment in Hollywood's adaptation of the classic C.S. Lewis book series. The film's total estimated tally now stands at $42.7 million.
In fourth place is the "The Fighter," a Mark Wahlberg vehicle inspired by the true-life story of a Massachussetts-bred boxer.
The flick, which also features performances from Christian Bale and Amy Adams, snagged $12.2 million over the weekend.
Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp's glossy thriller "The Tourist" landed in fifth place. The country-hopping caper, which was filmed in France and Italy and also features Paul Bettany, scored $8.7 million during its second weekend on screens. The weekend number kicks the film's total estimated haul to about $30.8 million dollars.
Check out everything we've got on "Tron Legacy," "Yogi Bear" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.



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Beyonce Says She Takes Pregnancy Rumors In Stride

'I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me,' superstar jokes about year-round bump-watch.By Jocelyn Vena





Beyoncé

Photo: MTV News




In 2010 alone, Beyoncé was pregnant at least twice, if you believe the rumors.

While the singer shot down the talk both times, she says that at this point she's pretty much to used to people speculating about potential baby bumps. "I mean, it's a part of it. At this point they said I've been pregnant like eight times, so I'm kind of used to it," Beyoncé told MTV News at a screening for her concert DVD, "I Am ... World Tour," in New York City.
"I just hope that one day, when I decide to be pregnant that people are happy for me, 'cause I'm like gosh, like, everyone's like, 'Oh god, please! She's been pregnant 100 times.' One day, hopefully, I will be. So whatever; it's a part of being a celebrity, I guess."
Her mom, Tina Knowles, was also at the screening and when asked if she thought that 2011 might be the year we give up gossiping about Bey's pregnancy status, she played it cool. "You have to ask her those personal things," she said. "I don't know!"
But Tina was also the lady to shoot down the baby-bump rumors last month when she sat down with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.
"I heard that, but I'm here to clear the rumors up. The truth is it's not Beyoncé that's pregnant, it's me," she joked. "No, it's not true. Not right now. I'm looking forward to it. With all the rumors, by now I should have about five or six grandchildren."
What do you think of the constant speculation about Bey and a baby bump? Tell us in the comments!



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'Jersey Shore' Star DJ Pauly D Working On Spin-Off

MTV pilot was shot in September.By Gil Kaufman





"Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D

Photo: Bobby Bank/ WireImage




You may be seeing a lot more of "Jersey Shore" star Paul "DJ Pauly D" Delvecchio in 2011. MTV announced Wednesday (December 22) that the network has signed an option deal for a series starring the perfectly coiffed club kid that will look at the Providence, Rhode Island, native's life outside of the Shore.
A pilot of the show was shot by 495 Productions, the company behind "Shore," in September.
"At the heart of 'Jersey Shore' is the unique and genuine cast and Pauly D truly embodies both qualities," Chris Linn, executive vice president of programming and head of production for MTV, said in a statement. "He's distinguished himself onscreen as the fun-loving, well-coiffed and dependable guy you can't help but want to hang out with. We know viewers are curious about his life away from the shore and we look forward to exploring new possibilities around that."
Along with pals Snooki, the Situation and the rest of the "Shore" gang, Pauly has helped turn the show into a cultural phenomenon. The third season of "Shore" will kick off January 6.
Though he's the first "Shore" castmember to get a shot at a spin-off series, like his housemates, Pauly D has been keeping busy when not filming the MTV show. He dropped his first single, "Beat Dat Beat," last year and was nominated for the "America's Best DJ" competition for the second year in a row. He's also locked down a DJ residency in Las Vegas and will perform at "Disney's Grad Nite 2011" at Magic Kingdom Park.
But first, he'll be on hand on New Year's Eve with the gang to help ring in 2011 on MTV.
Don't miss "MTV New Year's Bash," starting at 10:30 p.m. ET on New Year's Eve!



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Britney Spears Set To Audition Dancers For Music Video

A Britney fansite reports that video will shoot in January.By Jocelyn Vena





Britney Spears

Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage




Although Britney Spears' next album isn't set for release until March, her fans can start gearing up for new music now.
According to a Spears fansite, BreatheHeavy.com, a notice about auditions for a new Britney video was sent out by her camp.
Tryouts will reportedly be held on Wednesday (December 22), and Spears is looking for male and female dancers to join her in the video for the single, which is set for a January release, according to the notice. "Hold It Against Me" is rumored to be the title of the song, though no details regarding the single or video have been confirmed.
"The dates for the project are still to be determined but it will be happening on either the 9th and 10th of January with rehearsals anytime after Xmas and leading up to those dates or on the 15th and 16th with rehearsals leading in after Xmas as well," the notice reads. "He is looking for men and women with fabulous bodies and faces. They must be versatile. This is not for the tour at this time or even promo. It is just for the video."
Spears' choreographer, Brian Freidman, hinted about the auditions on his Twitter. He has worked with the singer on videos for "Toxic" and "Me Against the Music." "Countdown... 2 days till that very special audition I am holding in LA. Very exciting!!!" he wrote on Monday.
On Tuesday he wrote, "Breaking my body choreographing for 2moros casting. Get ready! I'm makin y'all work for this gig! The start of a new era! Stretch!!! I must go 2 bed NOW! Have 2 B up in 6 hours! Everyone who's auditioning get some rest & dress 2 impress! I want STARS not classroom dancers!"
Are you eager to hear new music from Britney? Tell us in the comments!



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'Jersey Shore' Star DJ Pauly D Working On Spin-Off

MTV pilot was shot in September.By Gil Kaufman





"Jersey Shore" star DJ Pauly D

Photo: Bobby Bank/ WireImage




You may be seeing a lot more of "Jersey Shore" star Paul "DJ Pauly D" Delvecchio in 2011. MTV announced Wednesday (December 22) that the network has signed an option deal for a series starring the perfectly coiffed club kid that will look at the Providence, Rhode Island, native's life outside of the Shore.
A pilot of the show was shot by 495 Productions, the company behind "Shore," in September.
"At the heart of 'Jersey Shore' is the unique and genuine cast and Pauly D truly embodies both qualities," Chris Linn, executive vice president of programming and head of production for MTV, said in a statement. "He's distinguished himself onscreen as the fun-loving, well-coiffed and dependable guy you can't help but want to hang out with. We know viewers are curious about his life away from the shore and we look forward to exploring new possibilities around that."
Along with pals Snooki, the Situation and the rest of the "Shore" gang, Pauly has helped turn the show into a cultural phenomenon. The third season of "Shore" will kick off January 6.
Though he's the first "Shore" castmember to get a shot at a spin-off series, like his housemates, Pauly D has been keeping busy when not filming the MTV show. He dropped his first single, "Beat Dat Beat," last year and was nominated for the "America's Best DJ" competition for the second year in a row. He's also locked down a DJ residency in Las Vegas and will perform at "Disney's Grad Nite 2011" at Magic Kingdom Park.
But first, he'll be on hand on New Year's Eve with the gang to help ring in 2011 on MTV.
Don't miss "MTV New Year's Bash," starting at 10:30 p.m. ET on New Year's Eve!



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