Chris' Gossip Pulse: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

'Star Trek 2' Cast 'Welcoming' To Benedict Cumberbatch

'It's a great thing to come into something that everybody's familiar with and knows each other very well,' new addition tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner

Benedict Cumberbatch
Photo: MTV News

With all the hullabaloo caused by the recently leaked photos from the "Star Trek 2" set, people are getting a wee bit distracted from the bigger picture surrounding the film: They're actually making the sequel, people! Let's be content with that happy news and the fact that all our favorite castmembers from the first film have returned, as well as a few very welcome additions, chief among them current actor-in-everything Benedict Cumberbatch.

MTV News recently caught up with the "Sherlock," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "War Horse" actor to find out how things are going on set and his thoughts about his castmates' very high praise for how the British actor has elevated their collective game.

"Well, it's very sweet to say," Cumberbatch told us at Elton John's Oscar viewing party in regards to Chris Pine's compliments. "I actually did a year at drama school, so I'm not that trained; I'm not that classical, but I'm flattered. I think they are brilliant on that show, and it's a real privilege to be on that set. There's a patter and a kind of knowledge of who they're playing and the other main characters, which I'm learning a lot from. It's just good fun. It's great to work with Chris. He's very professional. So is Zach [Quinto], who I've been working a lot with; I adore him, he's a brilliant, brilliant guy.

"I'm kinda getting busy with the film now," Cumberbatch teased of his villainous character's actions in and around deep space. "I've been away doing other things — 'The Hobbit,' which was fantastic. And so my part of the film is really sorta kicking in now. It's great fun, great, great fun. But what I'm trying to say is it's a great thing to come into something that everybody's familiar with and knows each other very well. So it's [in] a weird way a very easy thing to get up to speed with, because everybody is so welcoming and gets along with one another."

Check out everything we've got on "Star Trek 2."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Bianca Kajlich Bijou Phillips Blake Lively Blu Cantrell

2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shoot

2012 Illustrated Swimsuit

The new 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue features the gorgeous Kate Upton on the cover, an impressive feat given that last year she was just a rookie in some sexy bodypaint. Also included this time around is legendary supermodel Bar Refaeli, who poses in some seriously high heels along with LA Clippers stud Chris Paul. Last year?s cover girl Irina Shayk is looking as hot as ever in her pictorial, and Chrissy Teigen, who got engaged to John Legend over the holiday season, works her magic in a loosely-knit red top with blue bottoms. Enjoy the pictures from the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shoot! [gallery=819]

Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner

Ryan Seacrest Surprised By Sacha Baron Cohen's Oscar Stunt

'I definitely did not know that he was going to do that,' Seacrest said on his radio show on Monday.
By Gil Kaufman

Ryan Seacrest and Sacha Baron Cohen at the Oscars on Sunday
Photo: E! Entertainment

Who better to try to flap than the unflappable Ryan Seacrest? If he could put up with Simon Cowell's constant attacks for nearly a decade, surely the 'Crest could handle a sneak attack from the Dictator.

And, true to his laser-focus reputation, when Sacha Baron Cohen's Dictator ash-bombed Seacrest on the Oscars red carpet on Sunday night, the "American Idol" host kept his composure. After all, he had to know that SBC was not just going to show up in costume, but was very likely going to create one of his infamous scenes to drive up some hype for his upcoming tyrant spoof.

"I was surprised, but not surprised. I definitely did not know that he was going to do that," Seacrest said on Monday morning (February 27) on his radio show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," about his surprise when Cohen "accidentally" spilled an urn filled with the purported ashes of late North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il on the TV presenter's tux. "He comes over and I asked him a couple of questions but ... you know that feeling in your gut."

Knowing that Cohen was not going to let him off that easy, Seacrest said in the back of his mind he kept thinking, "This guy isn't coming as the Dictator to not do something ... you know in your gut, you feel like, 'This is going too normally.' " And then when he saw the urn come out, Seacrest could see something coming. "It was getting closer to my chest and then it tipped over. And it wasn't the wind. He spilt it on my tuxedo."

Did we mention Seacrest is hard to rattle? The consummate professional didn't flinch because he smartly followed the advice his mother, Connie, gave him long ago when he was just a wee wannabe presenter: " 'You always want to have two jackets. You never know what's going to happen. You never know what you're going to spill on yourself and you want to be red carpet-ready at all times. That's your job.' So I had another jacket." Seacrest had a great attitude about the gag, which drew a thumbs-up from some of the other celebs MTV News talked to at Elton John's annual Oscar-viewing party and charity gala.

How do you think Ryan Seacrest handled Sacha Baron Cohen's stunt? Leave your comment below!

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.

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Oscars 2012: Red Carpet Highlights

Newcomer Starshell's "Birthday Girl" Behind-The-Scenes Video

Mary J Blige's artist Starshell is out with her new single "Birthday Girl" and we have the first look at some behind the scenes video footage of her shoot. Watch it inside....

23-year-old Starshell hit the scene back in 2008 when she signed to Universal via Mary J Bliges' Matriarch Record company. In 2009, she co-penned “I Can See in Color” and “Closer” for her mentor Mary J. And now she's out with her second single, "Birthday Girl."

Yesterday, Diddy showed love to upcoming artist Starshell tweeting,

RT @iamdiddy: Everyone Pls follow and chk out my sis @maryjblige's artist @starshell the song is #BIRTHDAYGIRL

Watch Starshell behind the scenes of the video below:

And listen to the track here:

SIDEBAR: In Miami on March 18, Mary J. Blige is hosting a party for Starshell at Liv. You feelin' the newcomer?

BONUS:

Jason Derulo and Jordin Sparks released a cutesy behind-the-scenes type video set to the music of "It Girl" (Remix) that shows their actual blossoming relationship. We see them kissing, staying in hotel rooms, cuddlng, having fun....doing things couples do. This is the first time we've seen Ms. Sparks do this with anyone! Get it...

Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff Hilary Swank

Kate Gosselin Doles Out Traveling Tips

Reality star Kate Gosselin may not be the first person you?d turn to for relationship advice but if you?re planning a family vacation and have questions about how to keep things organized, the mother-of-eight has some useful tips to share.

"Label everyone?s suitcases with their names to make them easier to identify when baggage-claim time comes around," Kate writes on her blog for the Coupon Cabin site. "I always pack the boys in one bag, the little girls in another, and Cara and Mady still share a bag as well."

Top Story? (feature beneath menu):

Evangeline Lilly Eve Fergie Foxy Brown

Lady Gaga - Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)

Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)

Artist: Lady Gaga
Label: Interscope, Cherrytree, Streamline, KonLive
Director: Mary Ann Tanedo
Album: Hot Tuna

Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter Alice Dodd

Photos | Best Couples Of 2011

Best Couples Of 2011

Adriana Lima Hits Miami on a Jet Tour With Her Victoria's Secret Angels

Adriana Lima linked up with two of her fellow Victoria's Secret Angels, Erin Heatherton and Candice Swanepoel, yesterday for a press event in Miami. Decked out in white dresses, the trio made a cameo during a stop on the VS Angels Very Sexy Jet Tour at the Mondrian hotel. Adriana was in NYC earlier this month to show off some Valentine's Day gift options alongside two other models, Doutzen Kroes and Lindsay Ellingson. Erin, who was romantically linked to Leonardo DiCaprio over the holidays, has been in Florida working on a campaign for the brand. Just a few days ago, she shared an outtake from a shoot with photographer Russell James. Candice was likewise busy -�Candice Swanepoel wore a bikini to work on a VS commercial with Michael Bay recently. She tweeted this morning about having arrived in Brazil for the next stop on their tour.

View Slideshow ?

Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff

Oscars 2012: My Night At Hollywood's Biggest Show

Brad and Angelina's wedding plan, talking to George Clooney and 3-D desserts are a few things we'll remember about this year's show.
By Josh Horowitz

On the red carpet for Sunday's Academy Awards
Photo: MTV News

So I guess this means the 2013 Academy Awards season has begun? I jest (kinda). But it seems like this past awards season lasted forever. I mean, it kind of did. Legit contenders had emerged by the time the Cannes film festival began last May. By now, I'm pretty sure the stars of "The Artist" are sick of the sounds of their own voices ... I mean, if they had spoken in the film. You know what I mean.

Last night was a fine sendoff to another fun awards season. I had a blast covering my fourth Oscars red carpet. It's always a true privilege to be a tiny part of something I've been obsessed with since I was old enough to watch TV. One of the true pleasures of doing the awards season circuit for MTV News is getting a chance to talk to some of the folks I've worshiped from afar for years, and this go-round was no different. Last night, Christopher Plummer, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh and Nick Nolte all stopped to chat with me on the carpet. The 14-year-old Josh is very impressed.

And then there are the newbies. Rooney Mara, Jessica Chastain, even Shailene Woodley (unjustly looked over by the Academy) all were red-carpet regulars over the last few months and will surely be for many years to come.

It's hard to sum up a nearly four-hour red carpet in a few paragraphs, but here are a few select moments I'll look back on with a smile from the 84th Academy Awards red carpet.

George Clooney gets everyone excited. Perhaps the most embarrassing moment for me last night came when "Muppets" Best Song winner Bret McKenzie mentioned Clooney was nearby and I got embarrassingly excited. Like, too excited for a heterosexual man. Oh well, that guy is charming. Just take a look at our chat together.

Choose your questions for Angelina Jolie carefully. Of course, it was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who arrived last on the Oscars red carpet. Side note: Strangely, Christopher Lloyd arrived right around the same time. Anyway, Angelina was breezing by so the talk was quick, but damn, that lady is a movie star (I know, breaking news). She told me she thinks of her mom (now deceased) when she thinks of the Oscars since her Academy Award win was such a proud moment for her. Then, of course, I broke the mood by asking her if she and Brad planned their wedding to be a similar size as the Oscars. With a laugh she was on her way. Never got around to asking her and Brad to adopt me.

Wolfgang Puck serves food in 3-D. Who's been going to the Oscars for 18 years and is always the most popular guy at the Governors Ball? Why, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck of course. He was my first interview of the night and might have been my favorite. At least the oddest. I think we also had our first fight as Wolfgang explained to me that he was serving a 3-D dessert this year while wearing those silly old-school glasses. I insisted all desserts are in 3-D. There was tension. And begrudging respect. I think.

You too can be nominated for an Oscar! OK, just to clarify, I'm not saying it's easy to get an Oscar nomination. But when an honest-to-goodness friend of yours gets one, it rocks your world a bit. Anything is possible! In this case I'm talking about Andrew Bowler, an old acquaintance from years past, who made it to the big show with his wife Gigi Causey for their great short film "Time Freak." Seeing Andrew enjoy his well-deserved big moment on the carpet was surreal and awesome. The movies are all about seeing dreams come to life, right?

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.

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Meryl Streep's Surprise Win: Experts Weigh In

'You can never call a Meryl Streep win a real upset, because she's so beloved in the industry,' BoxOffice.com's Phil Contrino tells MTV News.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Meryl Streep poses with her award at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Getty Images

Heading into Sunday night's Academy Awards, few expected any major surprises in the top categories. "The Artist" was expected to take Best Director, Actor and Picture, while Octavia Spencer and Christopher Plummer had been considered locks in the supporting categories for weeks.

In the Best Actress category, however, some Oscar analysts (MTV News included) may have been too quick to call the Best Actress category for Viola Davis in "The Help." Such confidence resulted in the biggest surprise of the evening when Meryl Streep won her third Academy Award for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady."

So what happened to Davis? In the night that belonged so heavily to the odds-on favorite, how was it that Streep pulled off the upset?

Even Streep had to admit that most people thought the award belonged to Davis. "When they called my name," she said during her acceptance speech, "I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, 'Oh no! Oh come on, why her? Again?' But ... whatever."

Jo Piazza, the author of "Celebrity Inc.," said that the crowd's familiarity with Streep may have been her key to Oscar gold. "It wasn't Meryl's performance that gave her the edge," Piazza said. "It was the fact that she hasn't won in 30 years. Her performance was great, but that was what gave her the advantage."

The perceived disappointment was a direct result of both Davis' status as a favorite and the success of "The Help." When it came to ensemble awards, even "The Artist" couldn't come close to topping the wins for "The Help" this awards season. The cast won at the SAGs, the National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics Association. It also certainly helped to have Octavia Spencer cleaning up the Supporting Actress awards wherever she went.

Because of the awards and nominations close to Davis and her strong performance in the film, many saw her as the favorite for Best Actress, despite splitting many of the key awards with Streep. Davis won over the Broadcast Film Critics Association and took home Best Actress at the SAG Awards, the last major awards show before the Oscars.

But all of that overlooks the hefty haul of awards Streep took home before last night's Academy Awards. Naturally, Streep won Best Actress at the BAFTAs, a victory undermined by the very British subject matter of "The Iron Lady, but also, more importantly, at the Golden Globes, where Streep's future Oscar seemed the most likely. Though it may have initially been thought of as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's signature celebrity-love, Streep's Globes win should have been considered more heavily when predicting the Oscars.

Streep, after all, embodied many of the key traits of an Oscar winner. She played a historical figure, donned makeup to transform into her character and is a repeat winner, so perhaps there shouldn't have been as many "Oh, no's" as there were. Phil Contrino of BoxOffice.com told MTV News that Streep's status as a Hollywood legend should have precluded any talk of upsets. "You can never call a Meryl Streep win a real upset, because she's so beloved in the industry," he said. "It's important to remember that she was running very close to Viola Davis for most of the season."

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.

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Katy Perry To Guest Star On Fox's 'Raising Hope'

By Elizabeth Lancaster Katy Perry will grace the small screen once again with an upcoming guest appearance on Fox?s charming comedy "Raising Hope" on March 6. In a show already filled with loveable and quirky comedy, we can only imagine that Katy?s guest role will up the ante. Claiming to be "Rikki," Sabrina?s (Shannon Woodward) [...]

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Katy Perry To Guest Star On Fox's 'Raising Hope'

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Welcome a Baby Boy!

Jennifer Garner gave birth to a baby boy! People reports that the couple of seven years welcomed their third child, a son, in Santa Monica, CA. The little one will join older sisters Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3, and though the couple has yet to release a name, it's surely an exciting time for the Garner-Affleck family.

Congrats to Ben and Jen!

Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell

Rihanna Set To Play Whitney Houston In Biopic?

Photo: Getty Images

Jaime King Jaime Pressly Jamie Chung Jamie Gunns

BROADWAY FAB: Blair Underwood & Nicole Ari Parker HOST Meet And Greet For "A Streetcar Named Desire"

The cast of Broadway's 'A Streetcar Named Desire' recently got together for meet and greet with their fans. See Nicole Ari Parker and Blair Underwood inside and find out what Blair had to say about his new role.

A little something to whet the theater lover's whistle. Fab chick Nicole Ari Parker is gearing up for her new role:

The stars of Broadway's 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' Wood Harris, Nicole Ari Parker, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Blair Underwood hosted a meet and greet at Pershing Square Signature Center in New York City today. Mom of 2 Nicole is looking fab these days.

The cast began rehearsals today--Nicole has been cast as the female lead, Blanche DuBois and the hot Mr. Underwood will play her husband, Stanley Kowaolski. Both are making their Broadway debuts.

And during a recent interview with HuffPost BlackVoices, Blair revealed what fans can expect from his new role.

"The theater is my first love, it started in the theater. I went to college at Carnegie Mellon University and studied theater and fine arts. It just so happened that film and television took off in my career. But every chance that I get, I get back on those boards. It's where I feel most comfortable. So it's that, and then there's that personal excitement about the production itself: the fact that it is "A Streetcar Named Desire," the fact that it is Stanley Kowalski, which is just an iconic role to play in American theater.

And then the fact that I get to work with Nicole Ari Parker, who's playing Blanche, and Daphne Rubin-Vega is playing Stella, and Wood Harris playing Mitch, and [five-time Grammy award-winner from New Orleans] Terence Blanchard, who's doing the music. So he's going to give it all of that New Orleans flavor. So what you can expect is a glimpse inside fascinating, dysfunctional characters on stage. But also arguably one of the greatest plays ever written."

Streetcar Named Desire gets revived on Broadway April 22nd.

Photos via Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com

Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon Gina Philips

Jennifer Lawrence: I Don't Envy Kristen Stewart

It's easy to argue that upcoming film adaptation of The Hunger Games (in theaters March 23) is the first chapter in a movie franchise that will go on to rival The Twilight Saga in popularity. Both are based on beloved book franchises with passionate fanbases, star relatively unknown stars and have presale ticket grosses that rival some movies' entire box office takes.

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Mini Must-Have: Nahla Aubry?s Mix & Match Mary Janes

Check out Halle Berry's little girl in her mix and match Chooze Mary Janes shoes, plus get details on where to buy them.

Georgina Grenville Gina Carano Gina Gershon Gina Philips

Oscars 2012 Ratings Up From Last Year

Ratings for Sunday night's telecast up 4 percent over 2011's show.
By Gil Kaufman

Meryl Streep and Jean Dujardin backstage at the Academy Awards on Sunday
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Sometimes "meh" is all you need — especially when you're following up one of the most reviled Oscar hosting teams in recent memory.

That might explain why, despite a night devoid of any major surprises or blockbuster winners, ratings for the 2012 Oscars telecast were up slightly over last year.

According to ABC's preliminary ratings, the Billy Crystal-hosted awards show had a 25.5 rating and 37 share, a 4 percent increase over the 2011 show, which famously bombed thanks to the lack of chemistry between hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Crystal's safe-as-milk ninth go-round as host earned the veteran comedian mostly tepid to negative reviews, but it was enough to boost the big night to one of its best ratings nights since 2007, when the show put up a 27.7 rating and 42 share.

The highest-ever Oscar ratings came in 1998, when the global blockbuster "Titanic" helped draw in more than 55 million viewers.

Ratings might have been even higher if any of the most-nominated movies had posted solid box-office figures as well. But between them, the leading winners, "The Artist" and "Hugo," which both reveled in a nostalgic look back at the dawn of the modern movie era, have grossed just over $100 million combined to date. To put that in perspective, popcorn flick "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," which was blanked in three technical categories, brought in nearly that much in its opening weekend.

More complete ratings numbers are expected later in the day on Monday (February 27).

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion.

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Oscars 2012: Winners

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Oscars 2012: Favorite Speeches, Shocks And Moments

Another year, another Oscars down. Plenty of predictable outcomes, yes, but some happy surprises in the mix as well, including an almost-streak for Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" and a few well-placed penis jokes from the "Bridesmaids" crew. MTV News' Eric Ditzian, Josh Wigler and Amy Wilkinson had plenty to say about what worked and what didn't [...]

Ananda Lewis Angela Marcello Angelina Jolie Anna Faris

Tyler Perry's "Good Deeds" RAKES IN $16 Million, Grabs #2 Spot

Tyler Perry's latest flick Good Deeds made $16M at the box office this weekend, finishing in second place. See how other movies fared inside....

Tyler's Perry's Good Deeds starring Gabby Union, Eddie Cibrian, Phylicia Rashad, Rebecca Romijn, Beverly Johnson, and Thandie Newton opened at No. 2 with $16 million this weekend.

Though Tyler's "Madea" films usually gross over $20 million the first week, this is a good showing for a Tyler flick without his favorite character. He used actual black women for this film.

Here's how the rest of the Top 10 Box Office turned out over the weekend.

1. Act of Valor, Relativity/Bandito Brothers, $24.7 million

2. Tyler Perry's Good Deeds, Lionsgate, $16 million

3. Journey 2, New Line/Warner Bros., $13.5 million, $76.7 million

4. Safe House, Universal, $11.4 million, $98.1 million

5. The Vow, Screen Gems/Spyglass, $10 million, $103 million

6. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Sony/Hyde Park, $8.8 million, $37.9 million

7. This Means War, $8.5 million, $33.6 million

8. Wanderlust, Universal, $6.6 million

9. Gone, Summit, $5 million

10. The Secret World of Arrietty, Disney/Studio Ghibli, $4.5 million, $14.7 million

Eva Longoria Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve

ON THE SET: Tamia's Video Shoot For "Beautiful Surprise"

The gorgeous Tamia recently shot her new video for her upcoming single "Beautiful Surprise." And she's got the love of her life--hubby Grant Hill--as her love interest. See the on-the-set flicks inside.....

Fab pictures of Tamia (rocking Bottega Veneta) were taken on her video shoot in Los Angeles for her upcoming single "Beautiful Surprise." The track will appear on her 5th album of the same name and is due out this spring.

The video was shot on Saturday at a private estate.

In the video, Tamia's co-star is her real life husband, Phoneix Suns star Grant Hill. How cute! The two have been married for 12 years and have two daughters together. By the way, Grant's been in the NBA for 18 years!

Pretty!

Photos via Michelle Huff

Ana Hickmann Ana Ivanovi Ana Paula Lemes Ananda Lewis

Sarah Jessica Parker Takes The Twins To Work

Every day is 'Take Your Daughters To Work Day' if you're Sarah Jessica Parker. On Monday (February 27) the actress had the help of a nanny when getting 2-year-old twins Tabitha and Loretta into her car for a trip to her office in New York City.

Mom and her two girls had on matching grey coats. Maybe they were all dressed for a business meeting?

Top Story? (feature beneath menu):

Christina Aguilera Christina Applegate Christina DaRe Christina Milian

Photos | A Very Bieber Christmas

A Very Bieber Christmas

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Nick Jonas Had 'Fun' Playing A Bad-Boy Teen Star On 'Smash'

'It's kind of an odd pair, she and I together,' Nick tells MTV News of going head-to-head with Anjelica Huston on tonight's episode.
By Jocelyn Vena

Nick Jonas
Photo: MTV News

For the past few weeks, theater lovers have been lining up to see Nick Jonas on Broadway in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." But on Monday night (February 27), fans can catch him on a different kind of Broadway show when he makes a much-anticipated cameo on NBC's "Smash."

Nick plays a Lyle West, cocky teen star who negotiates over money with a producer played by Anjelica Huston. And while Nick is well-mannered in real life, his brash, small-screen persona might surprise fans.

"He's a fun character," the Jonas Brother told MTV News last week. "Lyle is very precocious and definitely a bit different than I am in reality. But there are a lot of similarities too: Lyle started off in musical theater [and so did I]. That's how he knows all the people involved in 'Marilyn' [the musical at the center of the show]. ... He's a fun character; I hope he can come back again."

When Lyle isn't busy trying to romance the ladies, he's helping to create original music for the musical and putting his spin on Michael Buble songs. But besides performing those musical numbers, Jonas said he reveled in going head-to-head with screen legend Huston as her character tries to shake him down for money to help fund the show.

"Working with her was an unbelievable experience and she's a legend, obviously," Nick said, "And was so great to talk to off-camera as well. Being in the room with her, first of all, was an honor and to be able to work opposite her in a scene was really interesting. It's kind of an odd pair, she and I together kind of negotiating like that, but it's sort of fun and sweet and works and that what was nice about finding that chemistry with her. I love her. I think she's a ray of light."

Jonas first announced the cameo late last year and fans have been eagerly awaiting the episode, which airs tonight on NBC at 10 p.m. ET, ever since. When MTV News asked him what we could expect, he teased, "You [get] to see everything — almost everything. There's quite a bit.

"If we're gonna open that up, then there's quite a bit that you didn't see," he joked. "But that's why I have to come back."

Are you excited to watch Nick's debut on "Smash"? Tell us in the comments!

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Tyler Perry's "Good Deeds" RAKES IN $16 Million, Grabs #2 Spot

Tyler Perry's latest flick Good Deeds made $16M at the box office this weekend, finishing in second place. See how other movies fared inside....

Tyler's Perry's Good Deeds starring Gabby Union, Eddie Cibrian, Phylicia Rashad, Rebecca Romijn, Beverly Johnson, and Thandie Newton opened at No. 2 with $16 million this weekend.

Though Tyler's "Madea" films usually gross over $20 million the first week, this is a good showing for a Tyler flick without his favorite character. He used actual black women for this film.

Here's how the rest of the Top 10 Box Office turned out over the weekend.

1. Act of Valor, Relativity/Bandito Brothers, $24.7 million

2. Tyler Perry's Good Deeds, Lionsgate, $16 million

3. Journey 2, New Line/Warner Bros., $13.5 million, $76.7 million

4. Safe House, Universal, $11.4 million, $98.1 million

5. The Vow, Screen Gems/Spyglass, $10 million, $103 million

6. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Sony/Hyde Park, $8.8 million, $37.9 million

7. This Means War, $8.5 million, $33.6 million

8. Wanderlust, Universal, $6.6 million

9. Gone, Summit, $5 million

10. The Secret World of Arrietty, Disney/Studio Ghibli, $4.5 million, $14.7 million

Alice Dodd Alicia Keys Alicia Witt Amanda Bynes

Uma Thurman: Baby On the Way!

Ready to bring a bundle of joy into the world, Uma Thurman is confirmed to be pregnant!

A rep tells that the 41-year-old actress is currently expecting her third child.

The baby on board will join Uma's 13-year-old daughter, Maya, and 10-year-old son, Levon, whom the actress mothered with now ex-husband Ethan Hawke.

Thurman's impending arrival is her first child with Arpad Busson, a financier with whom she recently rekindled her romance back in 2011.

Emma Stone Emma Watson Emmanuelle Chriqui Emmanuelle Vaugier

Justin Bieber Reveals Release Dates For New Singles

Bieber's Far East Movement collabo drops next week, followed by his first Believe single in March.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber
Photo: Jesse Grant/ WireImage

<P>Fans who want to hear some new music from <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a> won't have to wait much longer. The singer has revealed that he's set to drop not one but two singles in the very near future. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1672718" width="240" height="211"></div><p> First off, Bieber's <a href="/news/articles/1679414/justin-bieber-far-east-movement-studio-redone.jhtml">collaboration with Far East Movement</a>, which also features Party Rockers LMFAO, drops on Tuesday. The <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/justinbieber" target="_blank">Twitter</a> announcement for the release included the hashtag "#LiveMyLife," perhaps a hint as to the name of the song. The song's producer, RedOne, recently spoke to MTV News about the track. "I did a few songs with Far East Movement, and one of the songs ... to me, it's a smash," he said. "And Justin sang the chorus. It's a really good song, and I think people are gonna dance like crazy to it." In addition to the release, Bieber revealed that the first single off his forthcoming album <i>Believe</i> will drop in March. "And u guys keep asking. so yeah. my single is NEXT MONTH>#BELIEVE," he wrote. Little else is known about the song, but given the caliber of talent he's been recording with for the album of the same name, it's certain to be something his Beliebers will look forward to. For the album, he's hooked up with everyone from Pharrell and Rodney Jerkins to Drake, Lil Wayne, Timbaland and will.i.am. "The only conversation we've had about <a href="/news/articles/1675015/justin-bieber-new-album.jhtml">Justin's album</a> that we're about to do is it's really important that it's the proper transition, because we've seen him [with] 'Baby,' now we're watching him grow up," vocal producer Kuk Harrell told us. "And we can't just throw him into the adult game right away. It has to be the proper transition. There's a record in between." It's an exciting time for Bieber. As he continues to up his professional game, he's also about to celebrate a personal milestone: The teen star will turn 18 on March 1.</p>

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Whitney Houston Is 'Amazing' In 'Sparkle'

Co-star Derek Luke recalls singer's final film performance, a day before 2012 Oscars, at Independent Spirit Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz

Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films

Moviegoers will get to see Whitney Houston's final film performance, in "Sparkle," when the film opens in August. Before the icon's tragic death two weeks ago, the movie was set to be Houston's big return to the silver screen, her first since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."

A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.

"The beautiful thing about being in 'Sparkle' is that we had something that was recorded that I can hold onto, and in that time, me and my wife and Whitney ... the other cast, we really bonded," he shared. "Whitney did an amazing job, so I can't wait for people to see it and there's no great way to go out, but what a performance she had."

"Sparkle" is a remake of the 1976 Irene Cara film about three talented young Harlem sisters whose musical aspirations are affected when one begins to struggle with drug addiction. The 2012 version features "American Idol" alum Jordin Sparks as the titular character and Houston, who also served as executive producer after acquiring the rights to the film more than a decade ago, as her mother, Emma.

While the film will mark Houston's final bow on the big screen, Luke noted that it's sure to have fans buzzing. "What a performance she had," he added. "And I think the world will be blessed."

A rep for Sony shared the movie studio's great sense of loss with MTV News shortly after her death over Grammy weekend: "Like all those who knew and loved her, we are shocked and saddened and the world has lost an incomparable talent. Right now our thoughts are with her daughter, her family and her friends."

The film's producer, Bishop T.D. Jakes, also expressed his sadness upon hearing the news. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of Whitney Houston, whom we were blessed to have just completed work with on the remake of the film 'Sparkle,' " he said in a statement. "We ask the world to join us in lifting up Whitney's family in prayer and ask God for their strength and comfort during this devastatingly difficult time.

"At the apex of her career, Whitney had no peer, with a voice that shaped a generation. She has left behind a musical and film legacy that will endure. ... She will be sorely missed by us all."

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com all night and beyond for updates on the night's big winners and the best red-carpet fashion. Join the live conversation by tweeting @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars.

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Whitney Houston Is 'Amazing' In 'Sparkle'

Co-star Derek Luke recalls singer's final film performance, a day before 2012 Oscars, at Independent Spirit Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz

Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films

A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.

While the film will mark Houston's final bow on the big screen, Luke noted that it's sure to have fans buzzing. "What a performance she had," he added. "And I think the world will be blessed."

"At the apex of her career, Whitney had no peer, with a voice that shaped a generation. She has left behind a musical and film legacy that will endure. ... She will be sorely missed by us all."

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The starlet shows off her new lighter locks! Check out more star tress-formations and tell us what you think!

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To kick off Oscar weekend, Women In Film and Perrier-Jou�t Champagne held its fifth annual Women In Film pre-Oscar reception at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. The room was buzzing with Oscar talk as a number of past and present female Oscar nominees including host Gwyneth Paltrow , Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, and leading [...]

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Justin Bieber Prepping Second Book

'Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started' is due for release in September.
By Gil Kaufman

Justin Bieber arrives at the "Never Say Never" L.A. premiere
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

<P>While they eagerly await the release of his upcoming album, <I>Believe</I>, Beliebers will have to make do with <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml"_blank">Justin Bieber's</a> upcoming photo book. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1672718" width="240" height="211"></div><p> According to the <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/justin-bieber-just-getting-started-book-deal-harpercollins-293499" target="_blank"><I>Hollywood Reporter</I>,</a> "Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started" is scheduled for release in September. The singer's second official photo book comes on the heels of "First Step 2 Forever: My Story," which was released in October 2010 and sold more than one million copies in 25 languages. The new book will include information about the 17-year-old singer's most recent tour and the making of his record-breaking concert documentary, "Never Say Never," as well as the sessions for <I>Believe</I>. Among the bold-faced names that have popped in so far to lay down tracks for that album are <a href="/news/articles/1647665/justin-bieber-drake-have-canadian-reunion-at-vmas.jhtml">fellow Canadian Drake,</a>  who has long wanted to work with the pop star. <a href="/news/articles/1673221/justin-bieber-kanye-west-drake-next-album.jhtml">Kanye West</a>  is also reportedly slated to contribute to the disc, which is scheduled for release later this year. Super-producers Pharrell, <a href="/news/articles/1677263/justin-bieber-will-i-am-believe.jhtml">will.i.am</a>  and rapper Lil Wayne are among the other names that have been tossed about as possible collaborators. <I>Believe</I> is the follow-up to the Christmas-themed <I>Under the Mistletoe</I>, which was released in late 2011. Given his advancing age and the influence of a new group of collaborators, the effort is promising to be a step in a new direction for the multiplatinum teen idol. "The only conversation we've had about Justin's album that we're about to do is it's really important that it's the proper transition, because we've seen him [with] 'Baby,' now we're watching him grow up," Bieber's longtime vocal producer, <a href="/news/articles/1675015/justin-bieber-new-album.jhtml">Kuk Harrell,</a>  told MTV News in November. "And we can't just throw him into the adult game right away. It has to be the proper transition. There's a record in between." In the meantime, fans will have to settle for watching Bieber help re-launch MTV's iconic <a href="/news/articles/1678777/punkd-premiere-justin-bieber-miley-cyrus.jhtml">"Punk'd"</a>  hidden-camera show, which relaunches next month with a rotating slate of guest hosts.</p>

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Lady Gaga Enlists Oprah Winfrey For Foundation Launch

Born This Way Foundation's kickoff February 29 at Harvard University will be filmed for 'Oprah's Next Chapter.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Lady Gaga in New Delhi, India
Photo: India Today Group/Getty Images

<P>When <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lady_gaga/artist.jhtml">Lady Gaga</a> officially launches her <a href="/news/articles/1677562/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml">Born This Way Foundation</a> on February 29, she'll be joined by the one-time queen of daytime TV, Oprah Winfrey. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:683376.id:1669247" width="240" height="211"></div><p> The singer and former talk-show host will be joined by Mother Monster's own mother, Cynthia Germanotta, at the Harvard University event to kick off the foundation, which aims to inspire young people. The affair will be captured for a future episode of "Oprah's Next Chapter" on her OWN network. "My mother and I have initiated a passion project. We call it the <a href="/news/articles/1673633/lady-gaga-born-this-way-foundation.jhtml">Born This Way Foundation</a>," Gaga said in a statement last November about the foundation, which takes its name from her hit single and album. "Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment." The foundation will work with a number of partners, including the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the California Endowment and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. According to the statement, the foundation will focus on "youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change." "My daughter's foundation was born out of her passion to create a better world where people are kinder and nicer to one another and are accepted for who they are, regardless of how different they may be," Mama Germanotta said. "She has experienced many of the struggles that our youth encounter today, and identifies with the lasting effects they can have without proper support. Together, we look forward to creating a new movement that will engage and empower youth and accept them as valuable members of our society."</p>

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Common And Drake Made Peace At The Grammys

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The beef between Common and Drake has long been over, but during a recent interview Common revealed that the two rappers actually hashed out their differences face-to-face when they bumped into each other at the 2012 Grammy Awards. During the sit down, Common also confirmed, once and for all, [...]

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Did Jennifer Lopez Have Oscars Wardrobe Malfunction?

Twitter lights up after 'American Idol' judge's eyebrow-raising presentation with Cameron Diaz on Sunday night.
By Amy Wilkinson

Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz present at the 2012 Oscars
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Did Oscar get an eyeful of Jennifer Lopez? That's the question on the fingertips of Academy Award watchers around the Twitterverse after the "American Idol" judge presented Best Costume Design and Best Makeup alongside Cameron Diaz on Sunday night (February 26).

Clad in a plunging Zuhair Murad gown, the 42-year-old singer/actress took the stage with her "What to Expect When You're Expecting" co-star, who also raised a few eyebrows in a form-fitting Gucci gown. But it was Lopez's dress that went on to dominate the conversation online, with celebrities and regular folks alike speculating the frock revealed a little too much.

Perhaps predicting the (maybe) incident, "What Not to Wear" host Stacy London shared her anxiety over the décolletage-baring dress, tweeting, "I'm worried J LO might have a peek-a-boo nip moment!"

Many, unsurprisingly, weren't too upset about the malfunction. "J.Lo's nip slip > All Star game," joked @FernySuave.

And, not mincing words, helpful Carson Daly gave Lopez the heads-up, writing, "Dear JLo, your left nipple is out. K, bye. Xoxo carson."

Of course, a subject so, um, titillating is ripe for online parody. A mock account named @JLosNipple is already posting updates on Twitter. "DID YOU SEE ME!?" the account's inaugural tweet reads.

We may never know.

Do you think Jennifer Lopez had a wardrobe malfunction, or is it much ado about nothing? Tell us in the comments or tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars!

Ryan Seacrest had a wild Oscars night too! Check out his spill with Sacha Baron Cohen below:

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

BIG HAPPY FAMILY: Caron Butler, Wife Andrea, & 3 Kids Hit The L.A. Streets!

After a rough season in 2011, NBA baller Caron Butler seems happy as pie to be with his fam in his new city, and with a brand new contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Pics inside of Caron and his wife Andrea and kids chillin' during the all-star break...

Baller Caron Butler now lives in L.A., so he was able to spend time with is whole family (who are still living in their old home in Centreville, VA so Andrea can finish her degree and oldest daughter can finish out the school year) during his time off during the all-star break.

Caron, wife Andrea, daughters Mia (8), Ava (2), and youngest Gia were spotted grabbing lunch at a local Chipotle in Beverly Hills...with daddy pushing the double stroller.

He may have missed playing in the NBA Championship games with his Mavs teammates last year thanks to a last minute injury, but the Mavs ended up winning the title and Caron signed a big deal with the L.A. Clippers.

His contract with the Clippers is 3 years, $24 million. We'd be happy about that too...

By the way, Caron has 2 other kids who live in Racine, Wisconsin where he's from--a 12-year-old son Caron, Jr. and a 17-year-old daughter named Camary.

Pics via FAME/Flynet

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Nicki Minaj Livens Up the 2012 NBA All-Star Game

Bringing her energy to the annual sports spectacle, Nicki Minaj helped open up the 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida on Sunday (February 26).

The 29-year-old took to a makeshift stage at the Amway center while delving into a medley of songs including "Moment 4 Life? and fan favorite ?Super Bass.?

The appearance comes shortly after Miss Minaj made headlines thanks to a controversial Catholic-themed exorcism performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

Responding to the critics, Nicki told Entertainment Weekly, ?I don?t know, what is the big issue? You know how people write plays and movies? That?s what I did. I wrote that and I gave the world a tiny little preview of what?s to come. And I have to perform it on the set in which the movie would be, right??

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Jim Jones Maced And Arrested After Casino Brawl

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Oscars 2012: How 'The Help' Got To The Academy Awards

Movie's success proves that powerful audience support can buck Oscar stereotypes.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Emma Stone in "The Help"
Photo: DreamWorks

Of the nine films nominated for Best Picture at this Sunday's Academy Awards, the only two that came out before the fall movie season, where Oscar bait runs rampant, are probably the most unlikely nominees.

The inclusion of "The Tree of Life" on the short list, despite its loose structure, makes sense because of the prestige of its director, Terrence Malick. "The Help," on the other hand, found Oscar success with an untested director and a racially charged subject matter.

Before "The Help" was a nominated film, it was a best-selling novel by writer Kathryn Stockett. While looking to sell the novel, Stockett queried 60 agents, all of whom rejected her request for representation. When the novel finally did find a home with an agent and eventually a publisher, it became a best-seller soon afterward.

But the before the novel found a wide audience, Stockett's childhood friend and former roommate Tate Taylor agreed with the author to pen the screen adaptation and direct the eventual film. Despite pressure from DreamWorks, Stockett insisted that Taylor direct the film of her book.

The connection between Stockett and Taylor was not the only one on set. Taylor and Best Supporting Actress nominee Octavia Spencer met while working as production assistants on "A Time to Kill."

As with all high-profile novel adaptations, "The Help" had a built-in audience going into its August release, but it wasn't until strong reviews and an A+ CinemaScore that people began to realize the potential for Oscar nominations.

Two of the film's actresses, Spencer and Best Actress nominee Viola Davis, received the earliest and most unanimous accolades after the film's release and rode that praise to Oscar nominations. They were both favorites in their respective categories, and as we head into Oscar night, they remain so.

The story of the movie's road to the Oscars demonstrates that the power of the audience can buck old Oscar stereotypes and push a loved film to the forefront of the competition. "The Help" won audiences over and in doing so, secured a big night at the Academy Awards.

The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and head to Next Movie for a printable Oscar ballot. On Sunday, tune into MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET for our two-and-a-half-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners. To join the live conversation, tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars.

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