'Michael Forever' concert rescinds invitation for Kiss to perform following complaints from estate and fans.
By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson in the video for "Hold My Hand"
Photo: Sony Music Entertainment
Several weeks after announcing their intention to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson with an all-star concert called "Michael Jackson Forever," the initial lineup for the October 8 show at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, was revealed last week.
According to promoters, the Michael Forever show is slated to feature such stars as Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Motown legend Smokey Robinson, in addition to less globally popular talents, including Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Leona Lewis, JLS, Craig David, Alien Ant Farm and a pair of Jackson-related groups, 3T and the Jackson Brothers.
The one thing the event does not have, however, is the approval of Jackson's powerful estate, which had kept silent about the show put together by parents Joseph and Katherine Jackson, along with siblings Jackie, Tito, Marlon, LaToya and Rebbie. Brothers Jermaine and Randy have not been involved in the plans and have publicly objected to the event because it falls in the middle of the involuntary manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray.
On Tuesday (August 16) a spokesperson for the estate — which has handled all of Jackson's affairs since his 2009 death — confirmed that estate lawyer Howard Weitzman sent a letter to concert organizers last week raising some pointed questions about the show.
"I represent the Executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson. As the legal caretakers of Michael's intellectual property, we believe it is our duty to contact you directly regarding the growing number of questions that have been addressed to the Estate, as well as multiple concerns that have emerged in recent days," reads the letter.
After reminding organizers that the estate is the only entity that can sign off on the use of Jackson's image or his intellectual property — the concert's website is careful not to feature any images of the singer or samples of his music — the letter said the estate was "especially disappointed" by the announcement on Monday that greasepaint rockers Kiss have been added to the bill.
Specifically, the beef was that outspoken Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has made a number of disparaging comments about Jackson in the past. "It was extraordinarily embarrassing when no sooner had you announced this 'news' that [Simmons] would participate in your concert that TMZ posted an item noting that Mr. Simmons called Michael Jackson ... a child molester, notwithstanding the fact that Michael was acquitted by a jury," read the letter.
Jackson fansite MJ4Justice was flooded with negative comments about the addition of Kiss, announced on Monday by Katherine Jackson on CNN, and has called for a boycott of the show. The concert's Facebook page has also been inundated with concerns over the booking of Kiss.
And the complaints worked. On Tuesday, the concert's promoter, Global Live Events, canceled Kiss' "invitation" to appear in the show. "We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," CEO Chris Hunt said in a statement. "Under the circumstances we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert. We offer our sincerest apologies to Mrs. Jackson and the family for this oversight — our primary concern must be to do justice to Michael's memory, and to put on a tribute that the family and the fans will find suitable and fit for a King, our King of Pop."
The estate also expressed concerns about the promotion of the concert as a charity event, noting that it is using Jackson's "good name" to promote contributions, when the charitable element of the show is voluntary. "It appears from your interviews and from your website that none of the (approximately $90-$390) per person ticket price is committed to charitable causes," the letter states. The estate asked for clarity on to whom the charitable contributions are going , as well as an explanation of the small type clause that says that refunds will not be offered if "50% or more of the number of contracted artists attend and perform."
A spokesperson for the concert had not returned requests for comment about the donations at press time. Tickets are being distributed in lottery fashion, with fans asked to register for the chance to buy them in order to, "avoid the usual frantic rush and confusion when tickets for big events go on sale," according to the concert's website.
"Michael Jackson always made sure his fans were treated to concert experiences so spectacular that they would remember the evening for the rest of their lives," lawyer Weitzman concluded. "He always treated his fans with the utmost respect. In light of the questions raised above and the confusion surrounding this 'event,' we are extremely concerned about Michael's legacy, his fans and the public-at-large." The letter asks promoter Global Live to address those concerns and those of the singer's fans as soon as possible.
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669141/michael-jackson-tribute-concert-legal-action.jhtml
Donny Osmond Dwight Yoakam Eduardo Yanez Erika Christensen Faith Ford
Attention, fans of unintentionally funny TV personalities. We have good news and bad news.
The bad news: Next week, Kathie Lee Gifford won't be in her cohost chair during the fourth hour of NBC's Today.
The good news: Various members of the Kardashian family -- Khloe, Bruce, Kris, Kourtney and Kim -- will take turns filling Gifford's chair alongside Hoda Kotb every day next week!
Is it just us, or is it getting a lot easier to keep up with the Kardashians? You used to have to turn to E! to see America's most glam reality family. But now you can catch them on all the major networks, from CBS's The Talk (Kris) to ABC's Dancing With the Stars (Rob) to Fox's Fox & Friends (Khloe and Kourtney) to NBC's Today (Kris, along with her hubby and her three girls).
It's yet another confirmation that their show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians was merely a launch pad for total media domination. Next up: Kim's Fairytale Wedding (Sunday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. ET; and Monday, Oct. 10, at 9 p.m. ET), an E! special chronicling the preparations and nuptials of Kim and new hubby Kris Humphries, which took place last month.
The Today appearances are a means of promoting this wedding special, but don't worry if you have to miss them. E! News will have behind-the-scenes footage of their Today follies each night next week at 7 p.m. ET.
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/kardashians-cohost-today-next-week/1-a-386847
Marcus Allen Mary Nighy Merv Griffin Michael Nouri Michelle Yeoh
'Twilight' soundtrack, due November 8, also will feature Christina Perri and Theophilus London.
By Jocelyn Vena
Bruno Mars
Photo: Shirlaine Forrest/ Getty Images
The indie angst of past "Twilight" scores has given way to doo-wop sadness on "It Will Rain," the lead single Bruno Mars dropped Tuesday (September 27). The full "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" soundtrack will hit the streets November 8.
In a previous interview, Mars promised "It Will Rain" would be "dark," and he didn't lie. The track — co-written and co-produced by Mars' team, the Smeezingtons — is signature Mars: Sweeping and romantic, it focuses on the power of true love and the emotional pain of heartbreak. The pain of the track is reminiscent of his smash "Grenade."
" 'Cause there'll be no more sunlight, if I lose you, baby," he sings on the emotional chorus. "There'll be no clear skies, if I lose you, baby/ Just let the clouds, my eyes will do the same if you walk away/ Every day, it will rain."
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" opens in theaters November 18. "After seeing the movie, I thought that it would be a perfect fit," Mars said of the song. "The 'Twilight' movies for me [are] a love story. But it's a dark love story," he added. "And I think the best way to describe the song is: It's the darker side of love. I think that pretty much sums it up."
On Monday, a full track list dropped, revealing which other artists made the final cut for the November release. Christina Perri, Theophilus London and Aqualung & Lucy Schwartz are a few of the artists who will be featured. The track list also reveals that Iron & Wine's song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)" will be played during the long-awaited wedding.
The full track list for "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" soundtrack:
» The Joy Formidable, "Endtapes"
» Angus & Julia Stone, "Love Will Take You"
» Bruno Mars, "It Will Rain"
» Sleeping at Last, "Turning Page"
» The Features, "From Now On"
» Christina Perri, "A Thousand Years"
» Theophilus London, "Neighbors"
» The Belle Brigade, "I Didn't Mean It"
» Noisettes, "Sister Rosetta (2011 Version)"
» Cider Sky, "Northern Lights"
» Iron & Wine, "Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Wedding Version)"
» Imperial Mammoth, "Requiem on Water"
» Aqualung & Lucy Schwartz, "Cold"
» Mia Maestro, "Llovera"
» Carter Burwell, "Love Death Rebirth"
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671548/bruno-mars-breaking-dawn-soundtrack.jhtml
Daniel Dae Kim Dylan Sprouse Finesse Mitchell Heavy D Jackie Chan
My good friend Caprice Crane's new book, With a Little Luck, is out today. Yay, Caprice!
It's gotten great reviews:
"Crane is one of the funniest writers of popular fiction around. The dialog (inner and outer) is laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing hilarious . . . Readers will want to cross their fingers and spit while throwing salt over their shoulders if it helps Berry reach her dreams. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal
"Fans of Stacy Ballis and Cara Lockwood will appreciate Crane's effortlessly funny style, which is often attempted in popular fiction but is rarely this well executed...Lighthearted and charmingly honest."
—Booklist
"[A] satisfying romantic comedy...[with] real character growth."
—Kirkus Reviews
And even better blurbs:
"Romantic, poignant and funny—this book is a lucky find for lit fans. Caprice Crane is a nimble and gifted storyteller."
—Diablo Cody, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Juno
"A hilarious romp that oozes charm and giddy fun. Caprice Crane is a true talent."
—Molly Jong-Fast, author of The Social Climber's Handbook
"Witty, fast-paced, and sheer fun. Caprice Crane is a master of dialogue. Half the time I was reading this book I was smiling, which made me look like a crazy person on the subway."
—Jancee Dunn, author of Don’t You Forget About Me and Why Is My Mother Getting a Tattoo?
"Absolutely charming and hilarious."
—Missy Peregrym, star of the movie Stick It and ABC's Rookie Blue
"With a Little Luck scores in humor, head, and heart. In other words, it’s a perfect trifecta."
—Karyn Bosnak, author of 20 Times a Lady (soon to be the major motion picture What's Your Number?)
(Omg, who is that last fantastic blurber?) (I meant every word of it.)
And most importantly, she has the cutest dog ever (who likes to video chat with Bev):
Anyway, check it out, buy it—it's fantastic!
Source: http://www.prettyinthecity.com/blog/2011/7/26/with-a-little-luck-a-novel.html
Peter Strauss Q\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'orianka Kilcher Rick Springfield Ridley Scott Robert Loggia
Lil Wayne cover arrives ahead of Biebs' forthcoming Christmas album.
By Jocelyn Vena
Justin Bieber
Photo: Christopher Polk/ Getty Images
First, it was Demi Lovato, and now, Justin Bieber is jumping on the Lil Wayne "How to Love" bandwagon. On Wednesday (September 28), the singer dropped his acoustic version of the ballad.
According to a tweet, from Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, Bieber, in addition to producing the track, played all the instruments on it as well. Braun also shared that there's more new music coming out from Bieber, tweeting, "He has some more remixes coming too. right @seankingston."
About a minute and a half into the track, Bieber even shows off his rapping skills when he spits, "I just want to take my time/ I just want to my thing/ Maybe we press rewind/ Maybe I buy that ring/ We could grow old together/ Just share our souls together/ Find how to love, kiss and hug/ How to roll together/ I just need you by my side/ Maybe we could be all right/ I just want to hold you right/ We can go into the night/ You're the one I need."
This week, Bieber heads to South America for a string of dates on the next leg of his My World Tour, and he had this message for all the Bieliebers out there: "U know what ... I LOVE MY FANS!! and yeah i know there r haterz but u cant stop us from living our dream. hard work and this team. #wegohard."
In related news, Bieber tweeted out the date "#nov1st," perhaps a hint as to when his highly anticipated Christmas album will drop. The album, which will feature confirmed track "Falalalala" with Boyz II Men, is also rumored to contain collaborations with Sean Kingston and Taylor Swift, as well as a super-secret collaboration with "1 of the most #Legendary performers ever," according to a tweet from Braun.
Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman said, "[Bieber] thought we'd be perfect for it. And we went in and locked in."
Share your thoughts on Bieber's version of "How to Love" in the comments below!
Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671648/justin-bieber-how-to-love-remix.jhtml
Beverly Mitchell David Arquette Diana Ross Donny Osmond Dwight Yoakam
'Johnny Depp has always been a massive inspiration for me,' 'Breaking Dawn' actor tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Jamie Campbell Bower
Photo: MTV News
Jamie Campbell Bower has already been swept up in the frenzy of two of Hollywood's biggest franchises ever, "Twilight" and "Harry Potter." At 22, he's settled for nothing less than A-list flicks, including "Sweeney Todd," "RocknRolla" and playing King Arthur in the miniseries "Camelot."
Thanks to his gypsy style and diverse résumé that includes films both big and small, Bower has been named "Most Likely to Be the Next Johnny Depp" by MTV Movies' New Class Yearbook. And with one Tim Burton film already under his belt, Bower is well on his way to following in the footsteps of the man who's made pirates oh so cool.
But it's what Bower is set to do next that's really going to keep the upward momentum of his career going. In addition to the closing out of the "Twilight" franchise in the next year with roles in "Breaking Dawn" parts 1 and 2, the actor will gear up to star in "The Mortal Instruments" alongside Lily Collins.
He's also a man who can mix it up and star in a period piece like next month's "Anonymous," which centers on the theory that Edward de Vere, earl of Oxford, actually wrote Shakespeare's plays. MTV's Josh Horowitz sat down with Bower recently to discuss all that's in store for the actor.
MTV: This is, like, your time. You have some really cool opportunities right now. Does it feel like this is what you've been working toward?
Jamie Campbell Bower: Well, yes. Being able to do lead roles in pictures or onstage or whatever it is that you're doing in acting is obviously what you strive for because you want to better yourself as an actor and you want to better yourself as a person as well. But that does come with a lot of responsibility and a great deal of weight. At the moment, I'm incredibly nervous and I hope I just don't f--- it up.
MTV: Your ["Mortal Instruments"] audition — I want to hear from you. Did it feel like you embraced Jace?
Bower: This was a big deal for me and so I did a lot of preparation. I sent an email out asking what the character would wear, how he would dress, and I really focused on it. I was constantly, constantly, constantly looking at the lines and looking at the words and trying to nail who this guy was. They've taken a bit of, not a risk, but to put their trust in me and give me that role is very humbling.
MTV: Are we going to see much of you in "Breaking Dawn: Part 1"?
Bower: "Breaking Dawn: Part 1"? You'll see a bit of us [the Volturi]. We're around. "Part 2" is sort of where we really "throw down," would be the correct terminology? "Part 1," for us, is a lot of menacing set dressing. I am the best out-of-focus actor that you've ever seen, aren't I?
MTV: Is there a career to emulate?
Bower: You know, Johnny Depp has always been a massive inspiration for me and he's somebody who has produced an incredible amount of work, and every single piece that he does is amazing. And he also very cleverly manages to stay himself and very much shy away from the limelight, where it could have been very easy for him to put himself in a position where his friends and his family were in danger. And that's a scary thought. I think that's the main thing, to keep focused. It's a job at the end of the day and you have a responsibility to the people you're making the film for.
For more on all the up-and-comers who make up MTV's New Class, go to NewClass.MTV.com.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671486/jamie-campbell-bower-johnny-depp.jhtml
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