Britney Spears, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey Among MTV VMA Nominees For Best Male, Female Video

Britney Spears, Lil Wayne, Mariah Carey Among MTV VMA Nominees For Best Male, Female Video

We asked for your help, and you did not disappoint. You voted in record numbers, whittling the list of Moonman hopefuls for Best Male Video and Best Female Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards down to the final five, as the nominees were revealed Friday (July 25).
After thousands of votes on VMA.MTV.com (along with ballots from select industry insiders), two diverse battles are set. A pair of legendary pop icons will square off against two relative newcomers and one wily underdog in the fight for Best Female Video. Pop queen Britney Spears takes another step on the comeback trail as her "Piece of Me" grabs a nomination, while Mariah Carey will try to end her VMA dry spell with "Touch My Body." "American Idol" champ Jordin Sparks scores a nomination for her Chris Brown collaboration "No Air," and Rihanna is in the running as well with "Take a Bow." Quirky long shot Katy Perry rounds out the Best Female race with her cheeky summer anthem "I Kissed a Girl."
Meanwhile, hip-hop's hot streak continues in the Best Male Video category as two of the hottest MCs in the game face off against some of R&B's leading men. Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" exploded this year, so it's no surprise that he's in the running, along with T.I., whose "No Matter What" chronicles his struggles over the past year. Chris Brown and Usher made the list with "With You" and "Love in This Club" respectively, and Flo Rida is in the mix with "Low."
Of course, when one door closes, another opens, my friends — voting in two other categories is now officially open at VMA.MTV.com. Hundreds of hopefuls will now duke it out in the Best Hip-Hop Video and Best Pop Video categories! The nominees will be announced on next Friday's installment of "FNMTV." After that, two more rounds of voting remain to determine the nominees for Best Dancing in a Video, Best New Artist, Best Rock Video and the highly coveted Video of the Year.
The 25th VMAs will take place at the legendary Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood on September 7. The Jonas Brothers are confirmed to perform, and British funnyman and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" co-star Russell Brand was just announced as the show's host.

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Katy Perry, Rihanna lead U.S. singles chart

Katy Perry, Rihanna lead U.S. singles chart

Katy Perry led the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for a fifth week on Thursday with "I Kissed a Girl," while Rihanna's former chart-topper, "Take a Bow," was No. 2 for a third week.
Chris Brown's "Forever" rose one to No. 3, swapping places with Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" featuring Static Major. Coldplay's former chart-topper "Viva La Vida" rebounded two to No. 5.
Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" slipped one to No. 6, Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful of Sunshine" was also down one, to No. 7, and Lil Wayne's "A Milli" held steady at No. 8.
Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall scored his first top 10 hit with "Dangerous" featuring Akon, which jumped five to No. 9; the song was also No. 2 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. Jesse McCartney rounded out the top tier as "Leavin'" jumped one to its previous high of No. 10.
Current Rolling Stone magazine cover boys the Jonas Brothers had the top debut with "Pushin' Me Away" at No. 16.

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Timbaland Working On Shock Value Sequel

Timbaland Working On Shock Value Sequel

Timbaland is currently working on the follow-up to his smash album Shock Value. The follow-up, entitled Shock Value 2 already has a few tracks completed and according to MTV News, Tim wants to stay away from working with some of the same folks he included last time, just to keep everyone guessing.
"Shock Value is really like the Now [That's What I Call Music!] compilation," he said. "That's my goal for this — not [to showcase] me as an artist. Of course I'll do my little part, introduce some people. It gives me room to go tour across the world. People request me. I put on a show. I put on a musical show."
"Right now, I have a song with Madonna that I didn't put on her album. I saved [it] in case I wanna do one for me," he revealed. "Of course I'mma do one with Beyoncé. Of course I'mma do one with Jordin Sparks, Rihanna. It's a lot of people. I'mma do one with The Jonas Brothers. I'mma try to have 10 major ones."
The producer also told MTV News that there will be guest appearances by Hip-Hop artists including T.I., T-Pain and Jay-Z. "Jay was really on the last one, but he wanted to change [the song]," Tim told MTV. "I said, 'Look, man, I gotta put out an album. You're killing me.'"
Besides working on Shock Value 2, Timbaland recently said he may be producing one of Jay-Z’s upcoming LP’s in its entirety. He has also been working with Missy Elliot and Chris Cornell.

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Rihanna World Premiere, Take a Bow!

Rihanna World Premiere, Take a Bow!

Rihanna has become one of the most popular singers in the world - and she's destined to top the charts with her new song, Take a Bow. The world premiere of her new single hit radio airwaves this morning when Ryan Seacrest debuted the track for the first time on his morning show on 102.7 KIIS FM Los Angeles.
sensual track shows off the 20-year-old's vocal range and unveils a softer side of the "good girl gone bad."
Rihanna recently made headlines when she raised awareness for a Leukemia patient looking for a bone marrow donor.
"There are no words to express how happy I am for Lisa [Gershowitz-Flynn] and her family," says the singer.
"I am so thankful she found a donor and I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing miracle."
Rihanna continues to shine on and off the music scene. We can't wait to see this track hit No. 1.
To listen to Rihanna's Take a Bow, go to http://ryan.kiisfm.com/pages/takeabow.html.

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Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood for Grammys

Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood for Grammys

They join Beyonce and Foo Fighters on list of performers
Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and have been announced as performers at the forthcoming Grammy Awards which will take place February 10.
They join Beyonce and Foo Fighters, who previously confirmed they would support the Grammys, even before an agreement was reachedwith the Writer’s Guild of America who are currently striking.
The ceremony will be held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
A special performance that evening will see soul legend Aretha Franklin will join Mary J. Blige and a number of other acts for a gospel performance, says Billboard.
Stay tuned to NME.COM for all the Grammy Award news as it happens on February 10.

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Rihanna and Chris Brown: Grammy Ready

Rihanna and Chris Brown: Grammy Ready

resh off of learning that the writers’ guild won’t be picketing the 2008 Grammy Awards, fellow scheduled attendees Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted spending a little time together in New York City.
The R&B stars did their best to avoid cameras as the exited Barney’s after shopping for some new gear at the well-known department store.
According to the Washington Post, “Over the holiday weekend, CBS ran ads saying that a number of stars, including Beyonce Knowles, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Chris Brown and Brad Paisley, are scheduled to appear (at the Grammy’s).”
And while Rihanna and Chris are happy to be able to enjoy music’s biggest night without controversy, CBS sang similar sentiments, declaring yesterday’s announcement “very welcome news.”

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Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood To Perform At Grammys

Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood To Perform At Grammys

The Grammys may not have any writers, but the February 10 show will have Beyoncé. The former Destiny's Child leader is among the first group of performers who've been confirmed for the ceremony, which recently got a commitment from the Writers Guild of America that it will not picket the 50th edition of music's biggest night.
Also slated to perform is country superstar and former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood and the Foo Fighters, who will play their song "The Pretender" with an orchestra led by guest conductor John Paul Jones, bassist for the recently reunited Led Zeppelin.
The show will also feature what's being billed as a "special segment" with Rihanna performing alongside a reunion of 1980s R&B/funk act the Time. A tribute to gospel music will bring together Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Israel and New Breed, Madison Bumblebees, the Clark Sisters and Trin-I-Tee 5:7.
There was a question about whether the Grammys would happen at all this year, or if, like the Golden Globes, they would end up as a press conference due to the ongoing writers' strike. But on Tuesday, it was announced that the striking union would not protest the show as had been expected, and the Recording Academy still hopes it can get a waiver from the WGA to allow staff writers to contribute to the production.
The only question now is, who else will join the roster of performers? Though People magazine reported this week that reclusive rock legend Tina Turner would be hooking up with Beyoncé for a special performance, a spokesperson for B could not be reached for confirmation. At press time, MTV had learned that Amy Winehouse, up for six awards, had decided to enter a rehab facility to deal with her ongoing drug issues. According to a statement from her representatives, Winehouse decided to enter the facility on Thursday (January 24) after realizing that "she requires specialist treatment to continue her ongoing recovery from drug addiction and prepare for her planned appearance at the Grammy Awards."
More performance announcements are expected over the course of the next few weeks.

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Rihanna says fame made her lonely, unhappy

Rihanna says fame made her lonely, unhappy

Rihanna says fame has made her lonely and unhappy.The 'Umbrella' singer revealed her rise to success has been painful as she has been exposed to the "dark" side of celebrity.Rihanna said, "Fame is lonely. At first, I was on an adrenaline high - this is my dream. I'm actually doing it, it didn't phase me that I was alone, that I wasn't with the people I love. But after a while it gets repetitive and that is when you think, 'Oh wow, I am sitting in a hotel room once again, just me and the television.'
"When you are in the spotlight, people are like, 'What do you have to worry about?' They forget that the success is one great aspect of your life, but behind that there are problems, there are dark sides, there is loneliness and unhappiness."The 19-year-old star also admits she has struggled to make true friends in the music business because she can't trust any one.She added, "In this business people are shallow, they are dishonest. You can't trust them."I have always had a thing for reading people. When I come into contact with a situation or a person, the first thing I do is just sit quiet for a little while. I sit and watch you."It really helps me to understand how to play the game, and sometimes you have to play it. It is a game that really sucks."

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Rihanna fears getting paler

Rihanna fears getting paler

Rihanna fears her globe-trotting is slowly turning her into the new Michael Jackson - she’s getting paler and paler.
The Umbrella singer admits she has noticed her dark skin tones losing their lustre and she feels she needs a long break at home in Barbados to replenish her rich colour.
She says, "In the beginning, I was dark. Now I’ve been through cold weather, and I’m slowly getting paler and paler".

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H&M Links with Rihanna

H&M Links with Rihanna

Paris - H&M and Designers Against AIDS are linking up with a gang of creative types, including Rihanna, Timbaland and Jade Jagger, to create a cotton collection for guys and girls.
The collection, designed by designers, musicians and artists, begins retailing in H&M stores globally in February 2008. The artists – which also included Chicks on Speed, Good Charlotte, Henrik Vibskov, Katharine Hamnett, My Chemical Romance, Rufus Wainwright, Scissor Sisters, The Cardigans, Tiga, and Ziggy Marley - donated their services for free.
Plans are for 25 percent of the proceeds from the collection to go to HIV/AIDS prevention projects around the world. Another key goal in creating the collection – to be named Fashion Against AIDS – is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among young people. Twelve million people in the 15 to 24 age group are now infected with the virus.
"Supporting YouthAIDS through the Fashion Against AIDS campaign was a great way to encourage my fans to join me in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I love that H&M is providing a fashionable and easy way for young people all over the world to get involved in this worthy cause," Rihanna said in a release.
Designers Against AIDS (DAA), a non-profit organization that seeks to mold public opinion through joint ventures between fashion designers, musicians and other artists, initiated the venture.
"Fifty percent of the people newly infected with HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24. There is an urgent need to reach this target group. By combining fashion with music we hope to get these young people to 'Stop and Think,' as stated by designer Katharine Hamnett on one of the garments in the collection," said Ninette Murk, founder of DAA.
"Every fifteen seconds someone in the 15-24 age group contracts HIV/AIDS. Shopping has never been more important. Every garment sold makes a difference", added Kate Roberts, the founder of YouthAIDS.
The collection features T-shirts, tank tops and hooded sweaters. All the garments feature an original print, and the neckline label carries the name of the designer.
Some of the prints are subtle and "whisper" the message such as Good Charlotte's design, which includes a young couple under a red umbrella. Other prints raise their voices, including Katharine Hamnett's "Use a Condom!" and "Stop and Think" messaging in big, black, block lettering.
The message behind the campaign is summed up by Henrik Vibskov's print design, which states, "Be aware – it is still happening."
Prices vary from to $12.90 to $34.90. All garments are made from 100 percent certified organic cotton and carry a special hang tag that reads: "This might be the most important piece of clothing you've ever had your hands on."

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T-Pain, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake And More Are Our Favorite R&B Acts Of 2007

T-Pain, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake And More Are Our Favorite R&B Acts Of 2007

Top 10 R&B Acts of 2007

1. T-Pain
So 'hood, so good, Teddy P. was to R&B what Lil Wayne was to rap: a track showstopper whose versatile talent made his guest vocals a must-have for a plethora of artists. His presence was persistent, and while he'll never be heralded among the great voices of all time, you can't forget that the hits came incessantly. Pain's reign saw his computer-enhanced vocals pop up on records by top-of-the-food-chain acts like Kanye West and R. Kelly (twice) as well as street warriors DJ Khaled and Plies.
More importantly, Pain established his songwriting and producing acumen on Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss," as well as on T-Pain's entire LP, Epiphany, which spawned the smashes "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')" and "Bartender."

2. Beyoncé
B bodied everybody. Her competition had to throw in the towel this year when she established that no one is in her lane when it comes to this thing we call entertainment. B'Day (released in September 2006) continued to sell like Blue Magic on a Harlem, New York, street corner in the 1970s; her Beyoncé Experience tour was sold out across the country (hey, she still deserves a standing ovation for falling down all those stairs in Florida and hopping back up); and those videos ... have mercy! Fans couldn't get enough of "Get Me Bodied," "Irreplaceable" and "Upgrade U."

3. Justin Timberlake

How can the Prince of Pop be on an R&B list? Did you listen to the album? Justin's FutureSex/LoveSounds (released in September 2006) stormed into '07 on the strength of Timbaland's mud-sopped funk, brutal bass and clean synths and Timberlake's suburban-rebel charm. "My Love," "LoveStoned" and "Summer Love" rocked every iPod, stereo player and stadium on his tour. Meanwhile, JT and the SoundScan Killer himself, 50 Cent, hooked up for "Ayo Technology."

4. Akon

He threw a kid offstage, got nasty with an underage girl in a club and probably cost Gwen Stefani a few million in sponsorship money, but alas, Akon remained a worldwide draw. "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That" carried over from last year, while "Don't Matter," "Mama Africa" and guest spots on records such as DJ Khaled's "We Takin' Over," Plies' "Hypnotized" and Wyclef's "Sweetest Girl" sustained his popularity this year. Plus — and it's a very big plus — his scouting continued to pay off with the overwhelming success of the man he signed to a recording contract, T-Pain. We'll see if new additions to his roster, such as Brooklyn MC Red Café and TLC's Chili, pay off in '08.

5. R. Kelly

"Did she say there was other guys there? Were there other guys therrrrre?" The outlandish writing stayed at a premium for the King of Rhythm and Blues throughout his Double Up LP ("Real Talk," "Sex Planet," "Sweet Tooth," "Same Girl" and its remix) and the new chapters of "Trapped in the Closet." When he stepped outside of his own projects, Kells levied an onslaught of memorable guest spots including Snoop Dogg's "That's That," Young Jeezy's "Go Getta," Ciara's "Promise" remix and Fat Joe's "Make It Rain" remix. Even Michael Jordan didn't win the MVP every year — but that doesn't mean his game wasn't lethal.

6. Rihanna

Rih Rih chopped her curls into a slick bob, ditched the cute singles in exchange for sexy anthems and in the process became a tabloid target and ubiquitous presence on magazine covers. It started with her sexy hit "Umbrella" and the even sexier accompanying visuals that netted her a VMA win for Video of the Year. The Barbadian beauty's rumored romances with Shia LaBeouf and Josh Hartnett made headlines and helped her break away from the pack of teen starlets, putting her in the company of superstars like Beyoncé, Fergie and Gwen Stefani. Her third single, the Ne-Yo duet "Hate That I Love You," helped to showcase Rihanna's maturing vocal chops and proved she's not a one-hit wonder-er-er-er.

7. Alicia Keys

Since her debut, we've watched Miss Keys evolve from Harlem's ghetto songbird, cooing about the pains of love, into a global voice of indignation, raising the spirits of women and rallying against social injustices. She's as likely to fight for the rights of AIDS patients as she is to fight against radio formats. "No One," the lead single from her third album, As I Am, sounds nothing like a top 40 or R&B hit, yet the song has rested comfortably near the top of both charts. Add in the acting credits under her belt, including this year's "The Nanny Diaries," and there's no question about Keys' ability to push the R&B game to even further heights.

8. Chris Brown

One of these days C. Breezy is gonna become the first artist to literally dance his way into people's living rooms. There's no way cameras and TV sets are gonna be able to keep containing the Virginia native's explosive star power at the rate it's rising. Brown released his sophomore album, Exclusive, which features the MJ-esque "Wall to Wall" and the T-Pain-assisted smash "Kiss Kiss." He stole the show at this year's Video Music Awards with his rousing performance. And then he took his act to the big screen with a breakout role in the ensemble cast of "This Christmas." It's time to start watching ya back, Ursh.

9. Ne-Yo

He was great on his tour with R. Kelly ... all two dates of it. Oh well. Despite his differences with the Pied Piper (Ne-Yo alleges he got kicked off the tour because he was upstaging Kelly), everybody else loves the Las Vegas native. He has another platinum certification on his résumé thanks to Because of You, and his reputation as a writer was boosted with Beyoncé's irrevocably dope "Irreplaceable" and his duet with Rihanna, "Hate That I Love You." Still, the perennial overachiever hit us upside the head for good measure with Fabolous' "Make Me Better," a track he co-wrote and on which he sang.

10. Amy Winehouse

Amy, baby! Rich with throwback soul and lyrics so real that many of them have replayed themselves in tabloid headlines, Winehouse's Back to Black may just be the R&B album of the year. The British songstress had everything in place: The artistically bountiful music (from a chick whose personality came across as real as any MC from the 'hood) was rewarded with multiple Grammy nominations, critical coos and a platinum plaque.

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