Justin Bieber Helps Usher ‘Relive’ Teen Years

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‘The first reaction is like no other,’ Usher says on ‘MTV First’ about witnessing Bieber’s ascent to fame.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway

<P>Back in 1994, a teenaged <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> dropped his self-titled debut album and skyrocketed to fame. Nearly 20 years later, Usher is still on top, having lost little career momentum. While he's maintained his own career over the years, he also helped launch <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> to mega-fame as well.</P><P>As Bieber continues to grow as an artist, Usher explained that the 18-year-old has built up the kinds of friendships and relationships that he would have wanted as a kid star. "Cool part about it is, he's really able to live a dream that I think most teenagers would want to. To be able to have friends like Mayweather. They are actual friends, hang out, talk," Usher told MTV News during "MTV First" about Bieber's friendship with boxer <a href="/news/articles/1685155/50-cent-justin-bieber-floyd-mayweather-fan.jhtml">Floyd Mayweather</a>, who he recently hung out with in Las Vegas. "It's really cool to be able to have friends all around the world and people that can relate to your reality.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Justin Bieber Battle-Dances At Usher's Listening Party" id="vid:767988.id:1685137" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"I don't think Michael [Jackson] had people like that," he continued. "I didn't have a ton of people like that. I had Puff. I had JD [producer Jermaine Dupri] … but to be able to have friends all around the world that keep you, it's cool."</P><P>Their friendship was on full display recently when Usher performed in <a href="/news/articles/1685228/justin-bieber-usher-twisted.jhtml">"Fuerza Bruta" back in April</a> in New York City. Bieber dropped by to catch him getting his theater kid on, and midway through the show, the twosome battled it out on the dance floor.</P><P>"I was like, 'Come on, I got you. Just chill out.' <i>Set it up</i>," he recalled about tricking the sleepy globe-trotting star to hang with him at the show. "[We] brought him to the middle of the dance floor, and we got it in. But we always show support for each other like that. We was housing a little bit."</P><P>The guys will soon go head to head on the <i>Billboard</i> charts: Usher is set to drop his album, <a href="/news/articles/1685178/usher-looking-4-myself.jhtml"><i>Looking 4 Myself</i></a>, on June 12, and one week later, Bieber will release <a href="/news/articles/1684079/justin-bieber-believe-album-cover.jhtml"><i>Believe</i></a>. While it'll be interesting to see those two fight it out on the charts, what's more interesting for Usher is watching Bieber go through the same stuff he went through as a teen heartthrob.</P><P>"I relive every bit of it, from the screaming fans and the first reactions, shutting down the malls. The first reaction is like no other. To be able to be there, to be there with him and go through those emotions and see that shock for the first time [is exciting]," he said.</p>

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Ke$ha Calls Bob Dylan Cover ‘An Emotional Purging’

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Pop singer sings ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ for Amnesty International anniversary album.
By Jocelyn Vena

<P>It's hard to associate <a href="/music/artist/_kesha_/artist.jhtml">Ke$ha</a> with songs about anything other than hot guys, body glitter and partying. But she's defying her usual topics of interest for human rights organization Amnesty International. The singer is one of the many musicians on the org's <i>Chimes of Freedom</i> compilation of Bob Dylan's music, out January 24.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Ke$ha Calls Bob Dylan Cover Choice 'An Accident'" id="vid:720838" width="240" height="211"></div><p></P><P>When MTV News spoke with K-Dollar Sign last week about her <a href="/news/articles/1676172/kesha-sleazy-remix.jhtml">all-star remix of "Sleazy,"</a> she also opened up about switching gears vocally and emotionally for her version of Dylan's classic "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right."</P><P>"I mean, I think it's pretty well known that he's one of, if not my most, favorite artists of all time and … one of the most amazing lyricists as well — the original storyteller," she explained. "So I love Bob Dylan and this was just, like, a dream. When they asked me to do a cover, I was just, like, salivating and going through all my records. It was so fun. It was the best homework assignment you could possibly have."</P><P>K's version of Dylan's song is a slow-burning, heartbreaking ode to the already heartbreaking classic, where she channels Dylan through lyrics like "Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say/ To try and make me change my mind and stay/ We never did too much talkin' anyway/ So don't think twice, it's all right."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="What Is The Biggest Perk Of Being A Headliner?" id="vid:642810" width="240" height="211"></div><p></P><P>Ke$ha had originally intended to record another Dylan track, but when she heard that someone else had their sights set on it, she settled on "Don't Think Twice," prompting a catharsis she could never have imagined.</P><P>"This song was kind of an accident. I sat down and this is the first take that I ever sang," she recalled. "I just sat down on my bed for the first time after months of being on tour and I just started crying, and it was kind of like an emotional purging, and you can hear it on the record."</P><P>In addition to Ke$ha and her contribution, the album will feature 75 other Dylan classics recorded by nearly 80 artists including Adele, Miley Cyrus, "Glee" star Darren Criss, My Chemical Romance, Evan Rachel Wood and Sugarland. The album pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International.</p>

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Rock The Bells 2012 Lineup: Nas, Kid Cudi, Missy Elliot, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony To Headline

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Rock The Bells is taking tips from Coachella and doubling the number of days for the event. It’s also bringing back a couple high-profile reunions from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and the Hit Squad. Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi and Missy Elliot are also on the bill. The festival will kick off on August 18 in San [...]

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Usher Hopes ‘Scream’ Is ‘Life Changing’

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‘I always think about that song that will be able to let you out of that slump,’ Looking 4 Myself singer says on ‘MTV First.’
By John Mitchell

<P>It's not often that fans get to hit the club to party <i>with</i> the artist behind the latest dance hit, but that's exactly what happened for the audience at the interactive <a href="/news/articles/1685172/usher-fuerza-bruta-rehearsal.jhtml">off-Broadway show "Fuerza Bruta"</a> when <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> arrived for a unique first-listen experience for his new album, <i>Looking 4 Myself</i>.</P><P>As the R&B megastar's latest hit, the beat-driven Max Martin-produced <a href="/news/articles/1684071/usher-next-single-scream.jhtml">"Scream,"</a> pounded through the theater, Usher flew into the audience for a rave-like dance party that had everyone in the place moving.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Usher Previews A Clip Of His 'Scream' Performance Video" id="vid:767987.id:1685137" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>He's used to that sort of reaction by now, having released some of the biggest club hits of the past 15 years, including "OMG," "Yeah," "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" and "My Way." Usher consistently makes dance records that define a night, and it's important to the singer that his upbeat songs reach people on as deep a level as his more personal ballads.</P><P>"If I'm gonna move you, I want to move you. I hope that it could be something that could be life changing," the soulful signer said during <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/767984/usher-takes-over-fuerza-bruta.jhtml#id=1685137">"MTV First: Usher."</a> "You may be going through something real crazy, who knows, and just need to get out and just enjoy yourself. So I always think about the club, I always think about that song that will be able to let you out of that slump, if you're in it."</P><P>But "Scream" isn't just for those looking for escape. The track can work on many levels, according to the singer: "If you're just ready to have a good time, or if you're working out and you just need that little motivation to push you over the edge, there you go."</P><P><center><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></center></p>

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Usher Sports Neck Tattoo On Looking 4 Myself Cover

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Singer also reveals track list for his June 12 release, which will include collaborations with Pharrell, Rick Ross and others.
By Jocelyn Vena

<P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml">Usher</a> is nearing the release of his new album <a href="/news/articles/1682140/usher-looking-for-myself.jhtml"><i>Looking 4 Myself.</i></a> And to get fans excited for it, he unveiled the track listing and cover art this week.</P><P>The cover teases the "more artistic" tracks he has in store. In a close-up shot of his profile, Usher sports a neck tattoo that matches the artsy images in the background.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Usher 'Needed A Boss' For 'Lemme See'" id="vid:764890" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>On it, he's got collaborations with Rick Ross on <a href="/news/articles/1684255/usher-rick-ross-lemme-see.jhtml">"Lemme See,"</a> Pharrell on "Twisted," and <a href="/news/articles/1619238/how-did-luke-steele-end-up-on-jay-z-album.jhtml">Luke Steele</a> on the album's title track, according to <a href="http://hiphop-n-more.com/2012/05/usher-looking-4-myself-album-cover-track-list/#more-83093" target="_blank">Hiphop-n-More</a>. For those unfamiliar with Steele, he's from the Australian synth-pop duo Empire of the Sun. He also appeared on Jay-Z's <i>Blueprint 3</i> and co-wrote the track "Rather Die Young" on Beyoncé's <i>4.</i></P><P>Usher already has teased fans about what they can expect from the June 12 release with the sultry single <a href="http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/02/16/usher-diplo-climax-love-affair-song">"Climax,"</a> the party track <a href="/news/articles/1684071/usher-next-single-scream.jhtml">"Scream"</a> and the R&B thumper "Lemme See." He previewed the album at a special performance of the off-Broadway show <a href="/news/articles/1684028/usher-fuerza-bruta-looking-for-myself.jhtml">"Fuerza Bruta"</a> in New York City in April.</P><P>"There's a lot there to keep fans tuning in. It's a ton of other experiences and a ton of other walks … as I've had this long journey over the last year [and] every bit of what I've experienced I've put into a creative, artistic way," he told MTV News about the album. "This is more artistic of an album than I've had in history."</P><P>Here's the full track list for <i>Looking 4 Myself</i>, including deluxe edition tracks:</P><P>» "Can't Stop Won't Stop"<br> » "Scream"<br> » "Climax"<br> » "I Care for U"<br> » "Show Me"<br> » "Lemme See" (featuring Rick Ross)<br> » "Twisted" (featuring Pharrell)<br> » "Dive"<br> » "What Happened to U"<br> » "Looking 4 Myself" (featuring Luke Steele)<br> » "Numb"<br> » "Lessons for the Lover"<br> » "Sins of My Father"<br> » "Euphoria"<br> » "I.F.U." (Deluxe only)<br> » "Say the Words" (Deluxe only)<br> » "2nd Round" (Deluxe only)<br> » "Hot Thing" (Deluxe only)</P><P><i>What track are you most excited for on </i>Looking 4 Myself</i>? Leave your comment below!</i></P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a> <i>What track are you most excited for on </i>Looking 4 Myself<i>? Leave your comment below!</i></p>

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Justin Bieber’s ‘Boyfriend’ Gets Grown-Up Remix By Ying Yang Twins

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Rap duo put their signature sexy stamp on the Believe track.
By Jocelyn Vena

<P>When <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> dropped his single "Boyfriend" last month, some music connoisseurs compared the track to the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/ying_yang_twins/artist.jhtml">Ying Yang Twins</a>' 2005 hit "Wait (The Whisper Song)." The song's tempo and production, Bieber's lyrical delivery, and the general whispery, low-key vibe of the track are reminiscent of the Twins' track.</P><P>Well, the Ying Yang Twins returned the favor on Wednesday by <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/yingyangtwins" target="_blank">dropping their remix</a> of the song. The track opens with the Twins proclaiming, "Ying Yang and Justin Bieber, oh!" and from there, they spit some sexy lines about whisking a girl off her feet.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="'Boyfriend' Shows Off Justin Bieber's 'New Fresh Sound'" id="vid:765693" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"I don't wanna be your boyfriend, I wanna be your man/ He a little-bitty boy, I'm a grown man/ I can take you overseas, a harmless breeze/ Then you and me can have sex on the beach/ I bet you ain't never met someone like me/ I'm the broom, you the dust pan/ Sweep you off your feet/ You can be my woman, I can be your man/ If you got a little sister, Justin Bieber want to be her boyfriend," the Twins rap before Bieber's version comes back in.</P><P>The guys pick it up one more time, making a similar testament about their grown-man prowess. However, what they want to offer their lyrical love interest doesn't seem to differ much from what Bieber's offering, with a big emphasis on traveling around the world … though without the fondue and Buzz Lightyear references.</P><P>Produced by Mike Posner and Mason Levy, "Boyfriend" is the lead single off Bieber's June 19 album release, <a href="/news/articles/1684079/justin-bieber-believe-album-cover.jhtml"><i>Believe</a>.</i> Last Thursday he dropped the <a href="/news/articles/1684646/justin-bieber-boyfriend-video-2.jhtml">video</a> for the track, which mimics the song's more mature vibe and features him snuggling with a love interest and showing off some cool dance moves.</P><P>"Why did I choose 'Boyfriend'? I just thought it was like, of all the songs I had at that time, it was the song that most repped me at the time and [that] I wanted to put out there and what I wanted people to hear and the type of new fresh sound that I wanted to hear," Bieber told MTV News. "I thought that that was a perfect first single to come out with."</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Justin Bieber Wanted 'Boyfriend' Video To Be 'Mature'" id="vid:765691" width="415" height="255"></div><p></p>

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Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Alec Baldwin Give Props To Obama On Same-Sex Marriage

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‘Obama, congratulations on being the first sitting president to support marriage equality,’ Gaga tweets.
By Gil Kaufman

<P>While his likely opponent in the fall presidential contest, Mitt Romney, dug in his heels and doubled down on his opposition to same-sex marriage, President Obama continued to earn praise from the entertainment community for his historic <a href="/news/articles/1684802/obama-supports-gay-marriage.jhtml">support of gay marriage.</a>
 After <a href="/news/articles/1684824/obama-gay-marriage-support-reactions.jhtml">hearing from stars including</a>
 Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Kim Kardashian on Wednesday, the list of well-wishers grew to include everyone from Lady Gaga to hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, Alec Baldwin and political blogger Meghan McCain.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="If Gaga Were President For A Day…" id="vid:683376" width="415" height="255"></div><p> "Obama, congratulations on being the first sitting president to support marriage equality," tweeted <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ladygaga/status/200391733803106304" target="_blank">Gaga</a>. "Feels like the future, and not the past. #NoFear." Hip-hop mogul <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/UncleRUSH/status/200302273400803328" target="_blank">Russell Simmons</a> simply said "thank you," and singer <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/michellebranch/status/200303350514847744" target="_blank">Michelle Branch</a> gave it a rousing, "YAY Obama!! #EqualityForAll."</P><P><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Obama, congratulations on being the first sitting President to support marriage equality. Feels like the future, and not the past. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523NoFear">#NoFear</a></p>&mdash; Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/200391733803106304" data-datetime="2012-05-10T01:08:07+00:00">May 10, 2012</a></blockquote> <script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></P><P>Frequent "Chelsea Lately" panelist and out comedian <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/helloross/status/200300462514253824" target="_blank">Ross Matthews</a> could hardly contain his excitement, writing, "OMG, it's official! Obama becomes 1st president to support gay marriage!!! Historic day!" Meanwhile, another out TV personality, Bravo boss and talk show host <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/BravoAndy/status/200300764298608641" target="_blank">Andy Cohen</a>, shouted, "THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT."</P><P>Singer <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ricky_martin/status/200319456210198528" target="_blank">Ricky Martin</a> offered his props as well, saying, "I applaud President @barackobama for affirming that ALL Americans should enjoy equal rights. Historic!"</P><P>CNN talker <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/piersmorgan/status/200299228478701568" target="_blank">Piers Morgan</a> called it, "One small step for him … one giant leap for mankind," while comedian/actress <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SandraBernhard/status/200303762886246401" target="_blank">Sandra Bernhard</a> offered up the poetic bon mot, "Viva Obama who has just endorsed gay marriage. Right on time drop a dime blow your mind."</P><P>"It Gets Better" founder and "Savage Love" columnist <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/fakedansavage/status/200316874616082432" target="_blank">Dan Savage</a> urged action on the back of Obama's announcement, saying, "Gay people better get out there and support the president. If he loses in November, we'll be blamed."</P><P>"30 Rock" star <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/alecbaldwin/status/200329888425713665" target="_blank">Alec Baldwin</a> kept is brief with, "Obama gets it right on gay marriage. Bravo," out blogger Perez Hilton dubbed the announcement, "better late than never" and singer Josh Groban said it was just "historic."</P><P>Twitter master comedian <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/pattonoswalt/status/200305221879087104" target="_blank">Patton Oswalt</a> took the opportunity to have fun with the Obama news in a series of tweets about his upcoming (fake) gay marriage. "Oh my God — Seal Team Six just broke down my front door and are forcing me to marry @stephenfry! DAMN YOU, OBAMA!!!!!!" That was followed by some more good news in the form of, "Well, I'm now married to @stephenfry. Ceremony was charming, but watching Seal Team Six fight over the bouquet was f—ing INTENSE." Funnyman <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/michaelianblack/status/200301915211431936" target="_blank">Michael Ian Black</a> was in a joking mood as well, taunting, "Hey Obama, if you love gay marriage so much, why don't you marry it?"</P><P>And in keeping with her maverick streak (not to be confused with her dad's), political blogger <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/McCainBlogette/status/200302727316783104" target="_blank">Meghan McCain</a> opined, "Even though he did it a little late under political pressure — very happy to hear the President came out in support of gay marriage." <I>What do you think of President Obama's support of gay marriage? Let us know in comments below.</I></P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Dan Savage Had Thoughts About Suicide In High School" id="vid:735501" width="415" height="255"></div><p></p>

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‘Borat’ Make Benefit For Glorious Sick Day Stash

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Stranger Danger

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My sister recently had a talk with my four-year-old nephew Jack about strangers. Here’s how it went:

SISTER: Now, Jack, if a stranger says, “Come here, I want to show you something,” what do you do?

JACK: I turn around and run!

SISTER: If a stranger says, “Come here, I want to give you some candy,” what do you do?

JACK: I turn around and run!

SISTER: If a stranger says, “Come here, I want to show you my puppy,” what do you do?

JACK: Oh, I love puppies…

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John Travolta’s First Accuser Drops Lawsuit

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Another day, another John Travolta story — but this time it’s good news for the embattled actor. After a week that saw four separate men come forward to accuse him of unwanted sexual advances, Travolta, 58, has one fewer foe to worry about. John Doe No. 1, the anonymous masseur whose claims of sexual assault kicked off this media circus, has dropped his lawsuit against Travolta.

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Alec Baldwin Signed On To Do Movies With Russell Brand And Woody Allen

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Here is some more 60-something casting for ya. This morning we heard about the hilarious new comedy, Last Vegas with Michael Douglas and Robert De Niro. Now we hear that Alec Baldwin has signed on to not one but two new movies. He will be starring in a film with Russell Brand and another one [...]

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Captain America

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Go see Captain America this weekend! Support our Colin!

I went to the premiere on Tuesday and it was the coolest thing ever. First, the movie is AMAZING and Chris Evans is a superstar. Second, there were so many damn people there it was insane. I have been to movie premieres in New York before and they were nothing like this. I mean, they closed down Hollywood Boulevard. I would’ve taken photos to show you, but the invite said to leave phones in the car. But here’s a photo of me in my cool Captain America 3D glasses:

(Sit down, stop jumping around, it’s an awesome picture, I know. And the quality is amazing. It’s not grainy or reddish… it’s perfect.) (No, it’s not.)

(And you can totally see the Captain America logo on the side of the glasses.) (No, you can’t.)

Anyway, Captain America is pulling a strong 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes right now so GO SEE IT! IT’S FANTASTIC! 

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Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga Lead Billboard Award Finalists

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Lil Wayne and LMFAO are also double-digit contenders for the May 20 show.
By Gil Kaufman

<P>Following her <a href="/news/articles/1679105/grammys-2012-recap-adele.jhtml">Grammy triumph</a>
 in February, May 20 could be another big night for <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/adele/artist.jhtml">Adele</a>, as the British siren is a finalist in 18 award categories at the <i>Billboard</i> Music Awards. According to <a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/adele-rihanna-lil-wayne-lead-2012-billboard-1006820552.story#/news/adele-rihanna-lil-wayne-lead-2012-billboard-1006820552.story" target="_blank"><I>Billboard</I>,</a> Adele is leading in categories including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top <i>Billboard</i> 200 Artist. Her breakthrough hit, "Rolling in the Deep," is a contender in seven different categories.</P><P><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:711056/cp~vid%3D711056%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A711056" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed></P><P>Adele has plenty of female companionship, as <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/rihanna/artist.jhtml">Rihanna</a> and <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> are also finalists in a number of categories, with 13 for RiRi and 10 for Lady Gaga. Lil Wayne is also up for 10 categories, while party rockers <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lmfao/artist.jhtml">LMFAO</a> are finalists in 17. The awards are based on <i>Billboard</i>'s chart rankings, and combine data from album sales and downloads, track downloads, radio airplay and touring in addition to streaming and social interactions with fans on Facebook, Twitter, Vevo, YouTube, Spotify and other popular online music services. The show will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand and be broadcast live on ABC on May 20.</P><P>Among the leading categories: <B>Top Artist</B>: Adele, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Rihanna. <B>Top New Artist</B>: Bad Meets Evil, Big Sean, Foster the People, Scotty McCreery and Wiz Khalifa. <B>Top Male Artist</B>: Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Drake, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars. <B>Top Female Artist</B>: Adele, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Rihanna. <B>Top Duo/Group</B>: Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Lady Antebellum, LMFAO and Maroon 5. <B>Top Billboard 200 Album</B>: Adele <I>21</I>, Michael Bublé<I>Christmas</I>, Drake <I>Take Care</I>, Lady Gaga <I>Born This Way</I> and Lil Wayne <I>Tha Carter IV</I>. <B>Top Pop Album</B>: Adele <I>19</I>, Adele <I>21</I>, Michael Bublé <I>Christmas</I>, Lady Gaga <I>Born This Way</I> and Justin Bieber <I>Under the Mistletoe</I>. <B>Top R&B Album</B>: Beyoncé <I>4</I>, Mary J. Blige <I>My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)</I>, Chris Brown <I>F.A.M.E.</I>, Jennifer Hudson <I>I Remember Me</I> and Rihanna <I>Talk That Talk</I>. <B>Top Rap Album</B>: Bad Meets Evil <I>Hell: The Sequel</I>, Drake <I>Take Care</I>, Jay-Z &amp; Kanye West <I>Watch the Throne</I>, Lil Wayne <I>Tha Carter IV</I> and LMFAO <I>Sorry for Party Rocking</I>. <B>Top Rap Artist</B>: Drake, Lil Wayne, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and Wiz Khalifa. <B>Top Rock Artist</B>: The Black Keys, Coldplay, Foster the People, Foo Fighters and Mumford &amp; Sons. <B>Top Hot 100 Song</B>: Adele "Rolling in the Deep," LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett &amp; GoonRock "Party Rock Anthem," Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger," Katy Perry Feat. Kanye West "E.T." and Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack &amp; Nayer "Give Me Everything."</P><P><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1617615"><img src="http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/s/spotted/banner/spotted.jpg"></a></p>

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HGTV, LA and Dining Room Tables

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I’ve been watching a lot of HGTV since coming to LA. My favorite shows are House Hunters and House Hunters International. There’s also another show I like to watch called For Rent, but only because it makes me angry.

When it comes to apartments/homes, I think living in New York for the past eleven years has made me bitter because there was this whiny broad on For Rent a few nights ago who was looking at a huge place—A HUGE PLACE—and was like, “There’s no place for a dining room table…”

B*TCH, YOU’RE LUCKY TO GET A KITCHEN IN NEW YORK.

I hated her.

Now there’s some stupid lady on House Hunters who wants a townhouse with a fireplace that she can turn on with a light switch. IT HAS TO BE A LIGHT SWITCH because she doesn’t want to bend down and flip a switch on the floor.

WHO DO THESE PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE?

Anyway, I know my LA update is WAY overdue (and truth be told I wrote a long one last week but for some reason it didn’t save so I lost the whole thing and I was so angry that I just said, “Ah, f*ck it,” and closed the computer instead of rewriting) but to give you a quick update, I AM SO HAPPY HERE. I MEAN, I’M REALLY, REALLY HAPPY. And I think living here and watching HGTV—both of these things combined—has made me realize that New York was just beating me down. I mean, the fireplace lady—yes, she’s an idiot. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting a dining room table. Why did I get so mad at that lady?

Since being here, at least once a day I ask myself why I have lived in New York for so long. (It’s like I had Stockholm Syndrome or something.) CALIFORNIA IS AWESOME. It’s like the promised land. It’s sunny all the time and there are birds and flowers everywhere. I have space out here. I have a sofa on the patio out here. I HAVE A SOFA OUTSIDE. I haven’t seen one rat since I’ve been here. But hummingbirds? THEY ZIP BY MY HEAD EVERY DAY. I am so happy.

I’m supposed to go back to New York in November, but truth be told, I’m not sure I will.

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Beastie Boys Sued Over Sampling

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The Beastie Boys are being sued. On the eve of Adam Yauch‘s unfortunate death, the Beastie Boys were served with allegations from TufAmerica, claiming that the rap group and Universal Music Group sampled songs by go-go and R&B group Trouble Funk. According to the lawsuit, the Beastie Boys illegally sampled Trouble Funk’s tracks on their [...]

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Rielle Hunter & Her Energetic Quinn

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Rielle Hunter and her daughter Quinn were seen running errands in North Carolina on Thursday (May 10). The 4-year-old was very energetic while holding her mom’s hand.

The former mistress of John Edwards has been in the headlines all week. The politician may be asked to take the stand during his trial on charges he covered up the affair with the help of illegal campaign contributions.

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