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Perry Farrell, Iggy Pop, RZA alsojoin We Are Plastic Ono Band shows in Los Angeles next month.By Gil Kaufman

Lady Gaga

Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

There’s no word yet if she’s going to take a seat at the signature white piano again, but Lady Gaga has signed on to perform at one of the Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band concerts taking place in Los Angeles in October.
According to Ono’s website, Gaga will join a star-studded list for a pair of We Are Plastic Ono Band shows at the Orpheum Theater on October 1 and 2 that will include performances by John Lennon’s widow, Jane’s Addiction singer Perry Farrell, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, experimental solo artist Tune-Yards, punk icon Iggy Pop and Lennon’s youngest son, Sean. The shows will take place a week before what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday and will presumably include tributes the the ex-Beatle.
Gaga is slated to take the stage on the second night on a bill that also features married Sonic Youth duo Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore. Among the other acts listed on the poster promoting the show: Cornelius, actress Carrie Fisher, director/actor Vincent Gallo, Harper Simon, Mike Watt, Nels Cline, Yuka Honda and Haruomi Hosono.
Though her name stands out on the bill, Gaga’s inclusion is not that unusual. She performed “Imagine,” Lennon’s signature song of hope, at last October’s Human Rights Campaign gathering in Washington, D.C., where she tweaked the song’s lyrics a bit to make references to the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard.
To celebrate Lennon’s birthday on October 9, Ono is hosting a series of events and a Plastic Ono Band concert in Iceland. EMI will reissue spiffed-up versions of Lennon’s solo albums on October 5, along with some previously unreleased home recordings.

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Jack Black in “Gulliver’s Travels”

Photo: 20th Century Fox

If there is one role Jack Black seems perfectly suited for, it is that of Jonathan Swift’s beloved Lemuel Gulliver from “Gulliver’s Travels.”
The classic tale has been retold by plenty of television shows and films. But this version, which arrives in theaters December 22, stars Black, Amanda Peet, Emily Blunt and Jason Segel — and, according to Peet, it showcases .
When MTV News caught up with Black recently, we had a hard time keeping him on topic (chocolate-covered Gulliver candy bars, anyone?). But what we did learn is that the flick is going to be “good times” and that the 3-D is 90% awesome.
MTV: What can I expect from ‘Gulliver’s travels’?
Jack Black: It’s a powerful gem. It’s the old classic tale faithfully retold! We’ve taken some liberties. We’ve updated it; we’ve modernized with a pinch of spice as well.
MTV: I feel that you are the “King Kong” in this scenario.
Black: Exactly! Now I get to be the beast. But I’m a sweet beast; I don’t rip the heads off innocent bystanders. We might actually add that to the title … “Gulliver’s Travels: The Sweet Beast.” Would you see that?
MTV: That sounds like a date night movie to me!
Black: That could also work in with a merchandise tie-in, like a candy bar that’s called Beasts. And shaped like me — you can eat me!
MTV: Would you want to eat yourself?
Black: Well, I eat myself. I chew my fingernails.
MTV: Right. So why not eat yourself covered in chocolate.
Black: Man, if I could eat myself I would!
MTV: So did you read the original Jonathan Swift book, or no?
Black: Of course! Are you kidding me? And let me tell you something, if I hadn’t, I would have never have sent it to you. No, I hadn’t, actually, when I was first offered the project. But I quickly read it and was blown away by it. One of the great masterworks of fantasy and fiction.
MTV: Like myself, you’re not the tallest guy on the planet. Is it refreshing for you to be the big guy?
Black: Totally. This is gonna really appeal to all of those guys out there who have a bit of a Napoleonic complex.
MTV: Right.
Black: How tall are you?
MTV: I’m about 5′8″.
Black: You’re 5′8″? Ok come on, you’re with me, baby. This movie is for you and me!
MTV: That’s what I’m saying. I’m excited! So how is the effect stuff? Are you by yourself, or are you doing scenes with Jason and Emily and everybody?
Black: Sometimes, yeah, sometimes I was. Sometimes you’re just remembering what we did on the other side of it. I was there for all their little stuff, but when they turned the cameras on me six months later, most of the people were gone and I was just acting to a tennis ball.
MTV: Is Emily a love interest for you? Because that would present a physical problem.
Black: No. She and Jason Segel have a bit of heat. Horatio is like my best buddy in Lilliputia, in the land of tiny people. Horatio, that’s Jason Segel. And he’s too nervous to ask her out, so I teach him the ways of the Casanova, and I help him to woo her.
MTV: Are they an advanced people, or a backward society?
Black: No, it’s an alternate universe, where it’s kind of like 18th-century architecture, but with super-skillful builders so they have a lot of technology but not. It’s like steampunk. It’s like if computer technology had been invented in Egyptian times! It’s both! It’s future and past at the same time.
MTV: How do you feel about looking at yourself in 3-D?
Black: The only people who have seen themselves in 3-D are people who have been in 3-D movies, because all you can do is look at [yourself] in a mirror reflection. Your hand’s in 3-D. You can see the corners of your nose in 3-D, kind of. You can see your lips and your tongue if you stick it out really far. But besides that, you don’t see your face in 3-D.
MTV: What’s it like?
Black: It’s a trip! Didn’t know how handsome I was until I saw myself in 3-D!
MTV: Right. How would you characterize this guy?
Black: Let me just say, though, before we go any further, I noticed a little something in your voice when you talked about the conversion into 3-D, how do I feel about that? I just wanna say, most of this movie is CGI-generated images, you know what I mean? Like every shot has computer generated animation? To make the giant and tiny mix together you need to have tons of that stuff in there. And those things can be true 3-D, there’s not really a conversion there. It’s really just … like an animated film isn’t shot in 3-D, but it’s converted, because they do it in post, and it’s real true 3-D, so most of the movie will be real and true 3-D. It’s terrifying!
MTV: Are you a 3-D snob? Do you like 3-D?
Black: Yes I am a 3-D snob, and I just want to clarify: Only 10% of this movie will be lame 3-D. The other 90% will be the best 3-D that money can buy!
MTV: Which will overcompensate for the 10%?
Black: That’s right.
MTV: What do I need to know about your character in this movie?
Black: Gulliver works at a newspaper in New York City, in the mailing room. He’s a small potato, he’s a small fry and he’s very insecure. And he’s a small man in a big man’s world. He’s got big dreams of becoming a big travel writer someday but he’s too insecure to make the move. And he’s also in love with the travel editor, the gorgeous Amanda Peet. He’s too terrified of rejection to make the move. And an opportunity comes up to do a story on the Bermuda Triangle, to prove that it’s bogus? That there are no, you know, supernatural forces in the Bermuda Triangle, that take people away to a different dimension. You know the legend to the Bermuda Triangle, right?
MTV: Of course. Everyone knows you don’t mess with the Bermuda Triangle.
Black: Well, yeah. Gulliver goes headlong into it just to impress everybody back at the newspaper and hopefully get a date with that hot, hot gorgeous love of his life. Only problem is? The Bermuda Triangle is real, man! And it sucks him in and spits him out in Lilliputia, a land of tiny, tiny little creatures and people. And it’s a bummer at first when he gets there, because they enslave him. And it turns out that he rescues the whole country from their enemies. He’s a giant so he can save them. And all of a sudden he’s the big shot that he always wanted to be. It’s a wish fulfillment movie. You pickin’ up what I’m layin’ down?
MTV: I got it, man.
Black: I guess what I’m saying is, it’s good times.
From the saucy Jessica Alba in “Little Fockers” to James Franco’s grueling journey in “127 Hours,” the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of fall 2010. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films’
biggest stars.
Check out everything we’ve got on “Gulliver’s Travels.”
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Some think Brown’s Michael Jackson tribute was sincere, while others view it as a sympathy ploy.By Gil Kaufman

Chris Brown performs at the 2010 BET Awards on Sunday

Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

While Chris Brown’s onstage breakdown during a Michael Jackson tribute at Sunday night’s BET Awards likely left many viewers speechless, MTV News readers had plenty to say about the emotional tribute to the late King of Pop.

Many commenters weighed in on an MTV News story about the performance, during which Brown executed some spot-on Jackson choreography for “Remember the Time” and “Billie Jean” while modeling some of MJ’s signature looks. He then cried and was unable to get out the lyrics to the moving “Man in the Mirror.”
“He left his heart on that dance floor and when those tears dropped from his face, so did the audience around the world,” Music4Ever wrote. “He truly gave that his all and showed Michael that he was his idol.”
Kjabbamodern called Brown’s performance “amazing” and said he was spot on. “When you watched the awards you truly felt the incredible spirit he had, and when he broke down, it was truly genuine. Anyone that cannot understand that and see his true spirit is seriously NOT human. [Brown] made a mistake. … I hope people find it in their hearts to forgive this young man.”
The performance was one of the most high profile for Brown since the singer pleaded guilty last summer in connection with his attack on former girlfriend Rihanna. Since then, he has struggled to get his career back on track, meeting with disappointing sales for his album, Graffiti, and recently being forced to cancel European dates when the conviction stopped him from obtaining a work visa in the U.K.
Not everyone was convinced of the emotional sincerity of Brown’s teary display. “Publicity stunt … so funny that most of these commenters don’t even remember all the backlash MJ had to endure!!” Eddie wrote. “Where was the forgiveness then? So sad that a sick person like Chris can put on a show of ‘tears’ to a REAL MUSICIAN’S MUSIC to get sympathy. … His tears were for what he lost, which I pray he will never get back!!!”
Insantity wasn’t feeling it either, adding, “I guess you can beat the life out of women, as long as you ‘cry’ at a tribute show.”
Rebel was less harsh about Brown’s intentions, writing, “This young man has suffered ENOUGH. Just let him move on and remember that there is not one amongst us who has never made a mistake in their life.”
The night included notable performances from Alicia Keys, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, T.I. and Diddy. But Shai182 said simply, “Chris Brown’s performance was hands down the best performance of the night!!! He killed it!!!” And chickhappy23 opined, “MJ would have been proud & we know u’ll hold true to your promise Chris.”
MTV’s readers weren’t the only ones torn over the tribute from one of Jackson’s most avowed young followers. The Los Angeles Times ran a poll of readers on its site, asking whether they bought Brown’s performance. At press time, 39 percent said that “Chris was thinking only of Jackson and was choked up by his death,” followed by 21 percent who countered, “Chris was 100% faking a breakdown to get sympathy.” The rest of the vote was split between 12 percent who said, “Chris was 50% upset by Jackson’s death and 50% over-acting to get sympathy,” and 9 percent who thought, “Chris was 100% freaked out that he had a real singing gig again. It had nothing to do with Jackson or faking it.”
Was Chris Brown’s BET breakdown genuine? Continue the conversation in the comments.

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Stars of Robert Rodriguez’s new flick discuss their bodies — real or created?By Kara Warner

Jessica Alba at the “Machete” premiere

Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Robert Rodriguez’s fake-trailer-inspired Mexploitation flick “Machete” has a lot going for it. Not only is it an action-packed, bloody romp, but it features kick-ass weapon-wielding stylings from leading ladies who also flash a bit of skin.
Thanks to Rodriguez’s earlier explanation regarding his tricks to effective — not offensive — onscreen nudity, we know that not everyone is as naked as they seem. However, when we caught up with the film’s ladies in question, Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez, it became apparent that there are a few more nude-themed questions to be answered. Namely, who was in charge of Michelle’s rockin’ bod, and which guy creates the post-production nipples?

“I want to know: Who sculpted that body?” Alba asked Rodriguez as they gazed at a “Machete” poster featuring the very toned leather-clad actress. “Because the whole time I’m watching you, I’m drooling. ‘She doesn’t have any cellulite, not an ounce of fat! What is going on?’”
Rodriguez responded with a hearty laugh. “That was [from] ‘Battle: Los Angeles,’” she explained. “I was in boot camp before that. I had three weeks of intensive Marine warfare training.”
“You looked insane,” Alba said.
We then reminded Alba that it’s obvious from her shower scene in the film that she’s in equally good shape. “Oh no, no, no,” she insisted. “I had undies on, and I had other stuff on, and they just sort of etched it out in post [production]. That’s not really me. I’m better covered up.”
“I want to meet these guys who work in special effects and they are basically in charge of adding nipples,” Rodriguez added.
“No, no — there were no nipples, though!” Alba responded regarding her apparently post-production-enhanced shower.
“There weren’t?” Rodriguez asked, looking genuinely surprised. “I tried not to look because I thought that was a private moment that I shouldn’t be watching.”
“No, there was no nipple!” Alba insisted. “No, no, no, no nipple.”
“Well, I want to meet these [special-effects] guys though because they basically create what’s not there,” Rodriguez continued. “It’s pretty bugged out.”
Check out everything we’ve got on “Machete.”
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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From Gaga’s record 13 nods to the six first-time nominees, we take a closer look at the 2010 nominations.By Gil Kaufman

Lady Gaga

Photo: Derek Storm/ Splash News

For an artist who has quickly made a habit of smashing records, Lady Gaga improbably did it again on Tuesday (August 2). She leaped past such career stars as “Telephone”/ “Video Phone” collaborator Beyoncé to set a new record for the most nominations in a single year for MTV’s Video Music Awards, which air Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET.
 
The Mother Monster racked up 13 nods, far outpacing the artists with the second-most nominations, a resurgent Eminem, who racked up eight. On her way to setting the record, Gaga also became the first female artist nominated for two different clips in the coveted Video of the Year category for “Bad Romance” and “Telephone.”

But 13 isn’t the only significant number this year. We’ve pored over the nominations and here’s a breakdown of the other figures popping out at the 2010 Video Music Awards:
1994: The year Usher’s debut was released. As for the other nominees in the Best Male Video category, Eminem hit the scene in 1996, while the other three acts in the category — Drake, B.o.B and Jason DeRulo — didn’t release their full-length debuts until 2010.
25: Nominated artists who’ve appeared on a NOW That’s What I Call Music! Compilation: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Jason DeRulo, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Eminem, David Guetta, Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Kid Cudi, Pink, Beyonce, Coldplay, David Guetta, Enrique Iglesias, Green Day, Gorillaz, Jay-Z, MGMT, Muse and Paramore. 
23 years: Age difference between Best New Artists nominees Broken Bells’ James Mercer (39) and Justin Bieber (16).
9: The record Gaga will have to beat if she wants to snag the distinction of most wins in a single night, currently held by Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.”
7: Number of nominated artists who are playing at this year’s Lollapalooza festival: B.o.B., Dan Black, Green Day, MGMT, Mumford and Sons, Lady Gaga and the Black Keys.
6: First time nominees, including B.o.B., Ke$ha, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons.
2 1/2: Artists nominated in the Video of the Year category who were up for the award last year: Gaga (with assist from last year’s winner, Beyoncé) and Eminem.
2: Previous times Eminem has been nominated for Video of the Year.
1: Number of times the band Ratatat has been mentioned before in connection with the VMAs.
1: Opportunities for a cast member of “Jersey Shore” to hop up onstage during an award acceptance, should Enrique Iglesias win for “I Like It” from the “Shore” soundtrack album.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from Tuesday (August 3) through September 12.
Are you surprised by any of this year’s nominees? Talk about it in the comments.

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‘I can’t sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful,’ the singer said.By James Dinh

Ne-Yo

Photo: Getty Images

While producer Rodney Jerkins is expecting to begin work on an album of unreleased Michael Jackson music, Ne-Yo, on the other hand, isn’t sure what to do with the material he wrote for the late King of Pop before MJ’s death last year. The R&B singer/songwriter told Australia’s Daily Telegraph that he was sending Jackson three or four drafts a week prior to his unexpected death. More than a year later, Ne-Yo now still stands at a crossroads as he contemplates what to do with the songs he created specifically for the one and only MJ.
“I can’t sell them on to someone else, as that would be disrespectful, but I also think it might be disrespectful to bring them out myself. So I don’t know, I’ll sit on them and wait. It’s definitely quality music but they were songs written absolutely for Michael Jackson.”
According to the newspaper, Jackson hand-picked Ne-Yo as well as Black Eyed Peas producer Will.I.Am to work on his comeback album. It was only a matter of time before Ne-Yo was met face to face with his musical idol.
“I felt quite bad, as I’d allowed what the media had done to his name and image to have me thinking, ‘OK, what’s this about to be? Is this going to be weird?’ ” he recalled. “But he walked in a black suit and some sunglasses and was a genuine, nice guy. And it wasn’t because he wanted something from me, he just had no reason other than to be a decent guy.”
During their meeting, the duo talked about the current state of the music industry, something Ne-Yo says Jackson wasn’t too pleased with. “He believed what was wrong with a lot of music today is that people aren’t singing about anything. If it’s not about a party or sex then it’s about money, and there’s not really much to that.”
Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for Beyoncé and Rihanna as well as himself, explained that the entertainer wanted songs that were “melodic and meaningful.” “Michael told me the melodies needed to be the ones you heard once and could sing back, and the lyrics needed to have meaning and depth,” he said.
Unfortunately, Ne-Yo’s submissions weren’t recorded by Jackson, because the singer put his album on hold to rehearse for his This Is It concert series at London’s 02 Arena before passing away.
But Ne-Yo has hope that one day he’ll figure out what to do with the Jackson tracks. “Hopefully the songs will see the light of day, it just has to be the right way,” he said.
What do you think Ne-Yo should do with the songs he created for Michael Jackson? Should he keep them locked up or let someone else give them a try? Let us know what you think below!

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