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...
Mumford & Sons, Justin Bieber, Rick Ross also prepping new material.
By Gil Kaufman
Photo: Getty Images / MTV News
The past 12 months have seen the release of monster albums from Adele, Lady Gaga, Drake, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. But the next 12 are promising to bring even more music from several of those artists, plus new albums from Mumford & Sons, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, Paramore, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5 and Green Day. It's a bumper crop of major albums from some of rock, pop and hip-hop's biggest stars, who are returning from long breaks, hoping to follow up smash debuts or just trying to keep their momentum going. While release dates are always subject to change, here are some of the most anticipated releases of 2012.
Pop:
Ironically, the status of new albums from the artists whose next moves everyone is most curious about are the ones most in the air. Rihanna tends to deliver a new album every 12 or 13 months, which means that she may have another disc in stores at the end of next year once the just-released Talk That Talk has run its course. On the other hand, Lady Gaga has already begun talking about her follow-up to this year's Born This Way. Gaga recently told MTV News that she's already started writing songs and "all the concepts are beginning to flourish and take place." She didn't give a potential release date, only promising, "I'll put it out when it's done." Katy Perry hasn't publicly spoken about what will come after 2010's smash Teenage Dream, but it's possible she could start work on new material in 2012 as well. We know for sure that Justin Bieber is planning to show his more mature side next time around, possibly even incorporating some EDM sounds into the mix. It's been confirmed that Madonna hooked up with M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj for the single "Gimme All Your Luvin' " from her untitled forthcoming album, which will feature production from Ray of Light producer William Orbit. Other artists who could release fresh material in 2012: No Doubt, Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera, Ke$ha and Nicole Scherzinger.
Hip-Hop:
Two titans of rap are cueing up fresh tracks for early 2012, with Nicki Minaj likely to get out of the gate first with her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, due out on Valentine's Day. The disc will include first single "Roman in Moscow," which sees the Best New Artist Grammy nominee getting into the character of her alter ego, Roman Zolanski. After the delay of God Forgives, I Don't due to a pair of seizures he suffered in October, Rick Ross is expected to come back strong as well. The Bawse has taken his convalescent time to work on a new track with Jay-Z. Speaking of Jigga, fans may get a new record from him as well, considering he told MTV News he was cooking up fresh tracks way back when he first played us songs from his Kanye West collaborative album, Watch the Throne. In fact, Jay-Z said you might get solo albums from both men as well as the second Throne release. Other artists that should have albums hitting stores in 2012: Nas, Frank Ocean, Slaughterhouse, Wiz Khalifa, the G.O.O.D. Music compilation, T.I., Big Sean, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Big K.R.I.T., Meek Mill and potentially two discs from Lil Wayne, I Am Not a Human Being II and Rebirth II. Rock:
Some of rock's biggest guns are reloading for 2012, among them Green Day, who debuted some new tracks at a benefit show in August. The title of the follow-up to 2009's 21st Century Breakdown hasn't been announced yet, but some of the early songs slated for possible inclusion are "Nuclear Family," "Carpe Diem" and "Sweet 16." U2 have reportedly been cooking up a number of potential new albums, logging sessions with Danger Mouse and working with French producer/DJ David Guetta, RedOne and will.i.am on a disc of dance-oriented tunes. Prog rock revivalists Muse should also have some new material for us, with bassist Chris Wolstenholme promising in a recent interview that the sound on their sixth album will be "radically different" from 2009's The Resistance. We may get something from Linkin Park, who are prepping the follow-up to 2010's A Thousand Suns, and Mumford & Sons. It's been two years since the British folk rock revivalists dropped their still strong-selling debut, Sigh No More, and they began giving fans a taste of some new material in the fall when they unveiled the majestic song "Ghosts." After a rough year, Paramore have finally put the drama behind them and they're super-psyched to record an album free of tension and inter-band awkwardness. So far, they've already unwrapped the bouncy "Renegade" and "Hello Cold World," which bode well for their fourth full-length studio album. Other rock acts slated to release new albums: the reunited Soundgarden, Foster the People, Neon Trees, Sleigh Bells, Silversun Pickups, Bruce Springsteen and All-American Rejects. Which 2012 albums are you most excited about? Which ones did we miss? Let us know in comments below.
'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' among several sequels to make it in the top 10.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.
Harry Potter said goodbye to Hogwarts and movie theaters in 2011, but not without earning boatloads of cash along the way.
The boy who lived dominated the box office this past year with more than $1.3 billion worldwide, making him the undoubted winner in a less-than-stellar year financially for movies, but "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" wasn't the only sequel to succeed. Eight of the top 10 earners at the theaters belonged to sequels, prequels or remakes.
This trend is what Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations, sees as the big box office story of 2011, for good and bad. "You can't deny sequels' potency at the box office, with seven of the top 10 grossing films of 2011 being continuing sagas — eight if you count 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes,'" Bock said.
But not every movie with a number slapped onto the back of it fared as well as "Harry Potter." Bock pointed out that holiday sequels like "Happy Feet Two," "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," all underperformed compared to their predecessors.
"You could also argue that sequels are part of the problem, too," Bock said. "The domestic box office looks like it's going to come up short in terms of overall grosses and drop 3 percent versus last year, with attendance down nearly 5 percent — which will hit its lowest point in 15 years. That's a no-win for the entire industry."
As for surprise successes and failures, two films stuck out to Bock, the comedy hit "Bridesmaids" and DC's disappointer "Green Lantern."
"Bridesmaids" made $288 million worldwide on a budget of just $32 million, Bock said. "It was finally a coming out party for women of comedy," Bock said of what he called the "female 'Hangover.' " "Universal has already made plans for a sequel, and the brides-to-be are now flirting with A-list status."
Ryan Reynolds' most recent foray into the superhero realm did just the opposite. "This was supposed to be the next Batman for the studio, and it nearly turned into 'Howard the Duck,' " Bock said. "Well, it wasn't that bad, but when you spend $200 million on a film, you obviously expect to make more than $219 million worldwide. And that's not including all the marketing and print advertising that went into the big-budget blockbuster."
For 2012, Bock expects even more sequel domination, especially with the lineup of franchise films coming out next year. He predicts "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" will top with box office in the #1 and #2 slots, respectively, with "The Hobbit," "The Avengers" and "Men in Black 3" rounding out the top five.
Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosErica Leerhsen Erika Christensen Estella Warren Esther CaÒadas
Looks like the "Love & Hip Hop" chicks are taking full advantage of their tv time and starting new ventures they can pub in between beat downs and catfights.
Check out Yandy Smith's new magazine venture called EGL, where she ironically focuses on positivity, inside...
In between managing models and rappers and trying to break up fights, "Love & Hip Hop" star Yandy Smith started a new venture. She says she's all about being a positive role model to women and young girls. So Yandy and her girlfriends have created their own magazine and jewel line called EGL.
To bring in the new year, she tapped singer/writer and fab chick Mashonda, former "Love and Hip Hop" castmate to be on the cover of her January 2012 issue (above).
Here's some behind the scenes and actual shots from the shoot with Yandy, Mashonda, and stylist Samantha Telfair, wife to basketball player Sebastian Telfair. Plus a snippet of Mashonda's interview:
Loves Mashonda's look though. She had a conversation with Yandy for her cover story:
So, tell us what life has been like after Love and Hip Hop?
"Life has been great, completely different to say the least. My reality on that show was authentic and totally real. I’m glad that segment of my life is over; it was very melancholic. Being on "Love and Hip Hop" opened my eyes to many things in my life, on and off the screen.
The moment you let go of whatever is negative in your life is the same moment you breathe.”
Hot.
K-Fed says he's 'totally happy' for his ex-wife as pop star celebrates engagement in Las Vegas.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears and Jason Trawick in Las Vegas
Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage
Britney Spears spent the weekend celebrating her engagement to Jason Trawick in Las Vegas with friends and family. On Friday, hours after the news of their impending marriage was confirmed, the singer took to her Facebook page to make it official, changing her relationship status to "engaged."
She also shared with her fans on Twitter just how excited she is to be tying the knot with longtime boyfriend Trawick. "Still glowing!" she wrote. "About to jump on a plane to Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Throwing a Bday Party for Jason at Chateau Night Club. So fun. Xxoo. And celebrate they did. People.com reported that the couple and her two sons checked into Planet Hollywood before making their first public appearance since the news broke. Spears rocked not only a body-hugging Hervé Léger bandage dress, but also her Neil Lane engagement ring. The couple shared dinner and dancing at two Sin City hotspots, Sugar Factory's Chocolate Lounge and Paris' Chateau Nightclub. "Tonight was one of the most magical nights of my life," she later wrote on Twitter. "Such an amazing time with my new fiance and our closest friends and family. #Blessed" While Spears was celebrating, her ex-husband Kevin Federline sent out his well-wishes. "I'm really happy for her — I think he's a great guy," he told TV Week magazine while filming the reality show "Excess Baggage" in Australia. "She's happy; she's doing really well. I want to say she's in a good place. I haven't spoken to her much since I've been over here, both of us have been busy with her being on tour, but I do know from talking to the kids and talking to the kids' teachers that they're doing really good. It's a good step in the right direction. I'm totally happy for her." And Federline doesn't seem to have any hard feelings toward Trawick. "He's a really good guy, I've heard a lot about him," he added. "I've spoken to him quite a few times as of now. He seems like a really good guy. The kids speak highly of him [and] her family loves him."
Celeb moms put their best ? and most fashionable! ? foot forward this year as they headed out with their tots to run errands, play at the park and attend Sunday services. Our friends at Lil Sugar give us a close look at Tinseltown's most stylish mommies. Click here to see the slideshow.
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!
But other Michael Jackson supporters outside L.A. courthouse tell MTV News 'justice has been served.'
By Katie Byrne, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf
Conrad Murray looks on during the final stage of Conrad Murray's defense in his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on November 1, 2011
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — During the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's fans have been as much a fixture at the courthouse as the Jackson family. When Murray was sentenced to four years in jail Tuesday (November 29), MTV News spoke with those loyal fans outside the court to see if the maximum sentence was an apt punishment.
"Four years — not enough, but at least something," said one fan, sporting a red jacket in tribute to MJ. "And where I come from, a little something is always better than nothing." One pair of friends might have been wearing matching Thriller T-shirts, but their opinions on Murray's sentence certainly didn't match. "If four years is the maximum and he got the maximum — I know she's not happy, but I'm happy," one of the women said, gesturing to her less-than-pleased companion. "I feel like justice was served and that L.A. can now be proud and stand tall." "It's better than nothing, but it's not even close to justice," said another fan, wearing Jackson's trademark fedora and sequined glove. "Not only was [Murray] negligent; he let the man die. It's unconscionable. He didn't even try. How would a heart doctor not know how to give CPR? It's insane." The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, was facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon, but due to recent changes to alleviate overcrowding in California prisons, the judge in the case said he was unable to send the doctor to state prison for his crime. On top of that, legal expert Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News that Murray will likely serve less than half of his four-year sentence. Those legal loopholes concerned a female fan outside the courthouse, but she was also happy that the maximum punishment was doled out. "The only thing I'm worried about now, with the overcrowding of the jails, he might get one year and house arrest," she told MTV News. "I'm just hoping it'll be four years, that's what I'm praying. I'm just glad that justice has been served today, and I'm glad justice can be served to the family and to the fans, and everybody around today will be happy and celebrate that justice has been served. And I'm sure Michael's looking from heaven right now."
Related Videos Related ArtistsGarcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy Georgianna Robertson Georgina Grenville
Dawn Richard is giving us a visual for her "S.M.F.U. (Save Me From U)" track. Check out the trailer for her upcoming video inside...
This is the first single and first vid off her upcoming GoldenHeart solo album. The compelling track shows off Dawn's vocals she became known for in Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money.
Here's the trailer to her upcoming Ev Salomon-directed video, releasing January 5th on BET's "106 & Park":
You feelin' it?
The movie tie-in edition of "20 Times a Lady"—now called "What's Your Number?"—is now available wherever fine books are sold!
To celebrate its publication, a few of my favorite readers came up with these great reviews...
"What's Your Number? is like Harry Potter minus the wizards, wands, and Lord Voldemort." —Michelle Bell
"What's Your Number? is like Gone With the Wind except with less hoop skirts and poverty and more beaus..." —Karen Meyer
"What's Your Number? is like To Kill a Mockingbird without all the racism and children." —Julie Stone
Thanks ladies!
Please add your review in the comments!
Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen
All's fair in love and ... puppies? The battle between Hugh Hefner and his almost-wife Crystal Harris continues to rage as the Playboy playmate is now calling for Hef to return their Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy Charlie to her six months after their split.
From 'Harry Potter' to 'Drive,' MTV News mourns — and praises — the year's best fictional deaths.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros
It is traditional at the end of the year to look back on those we have lost in Hollywood. Usually this means a poignant montage of actors, actresses and crew members during the Academy Awards, but it should also be noted that plenty of fictional passings occurred in 2011 as well.
They may have been memorable, sad, thrilling or even funny, but each movie death meant something, and if we were to look back on the characters that passed away this year, these are the five that would get the biggest applause.
It should noted that this article contains nothing but spoilers.
Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon in "X-Men: First Class")
All it took was a coin through the skull to remind us why Kevin Bacon should be in more movies. His character, Sebastian Shaw, lived large and in style, choosing a submarine as his method of world travel and double-breasted suits as his villainous costume. When Magneto finally met up with him to serve up some revenge extra cold, Shaw ate it in one of the most memorable scenes of 2011.
Fred Weasley (James Phelps in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2")
Many characters didn't live to see the end of the Battle of Hogwarts, but none hurt as much as the demise of one-half of the ginger-haired duo. George may have lost an ear in Part 1, but he lost a twin brother during the series finale, and we were there with him. At the very least, we can all remember the fun times we had together and rest assured that there is still one genetically identical person walking Diagon Alley.
Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow in "Contagion")
The look of terror on Paltrow's face from the trailer may rank among some of the year's most horrifying movie images. Beth Emhoff's death early in the film starts the chain reaction that sets the film's wheels in motion, but none of the millions of deaths caused by the virus are shown with as much intimacy. She may have been patient zero, but she'll always be #1 in our hearts.
Shannon (Bryan Cranston in "Drive")
Bryan Cranston's Shannon didn't have much time to accept his fate, and neither did we. Before we knew it, Bernie Rose (played by Albert Brooks) had declared it "over." Even the toughest of moviegoers had to flinch at the sight of the razor blade cutting through the neighborly mechanic's arm. Shannon added both comic relief and charm to a movie that benefitted so greatly because of it.
Planet Earth in "The Tree of Life" and "Melancholia"
The character we're all closest with bit the dust not once but twice this year at the movies. It's never an easy thing, watching the planet you've grown up on destroyed — just ask Princess Leia. But never has the destruction of our home world been shown with as much stunning cinematography as it was in mouth of these art house hits.
Stick with MTV News as we count down the Best of 2011, including the top Artists, Songs, Live Performances and EDM Artists of the year.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosMTV News counts down the most gripping, action-packed moments from 'Harry Potter,' 'Breaking Dawn,' 'Dragon Tattoo' and more.
By MTV News staff
Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros
Rare is the moviegoing experience after which you leave the theater having loved each and every frame that flashed onscreen. Even when talking about our 10 favorite films of the year, we didn't love everything about them, just most everything. More often than not, however, a film's success and sustainability can be attributed to a few brilliantly crafted key scenes or sequences. They are the moments that make us ooh and aah, laugh out loud, cringe or cover our eyes.
In the spirit of the movie moments that have stuck with us and will continue to do so, here's our list of the 10 best scenes from 2011's new releases. SPOILERS ahead.
10. Ryan Gosling's Airbrushed Abs Reveal, "Crazy, Stupid, Love"
Let's face it, ladies have been mooning away over Ryan Gosling since his star-making turn in "The Notebook." And although the Hollywood heartthrob always looks good onscreen, we hadn't seen him cash in on the whole dreamboat card until this year's hit romantic comedy "Crazy, Stupid, Love." When he removes his fancy dress shirt to reveal a ridiculously chiseled and tanned torso, he really does look Photoshopped, in the best way possible. — Kara Warner
9. The Hour-Long Fight, "13 Assassins"
Takashi Miike's play-out in two parts: one hour of build-up and one hour of bloody chaos. In an attempt to kill a corrupt ruler in feudal Japan, 13 samurai set the most violent version of a "Home Alone" house to trap the target and his entourage of 200 bodyguards. The result lasts an hour and engages you the entire time. — Kevin Sullivan
8. Bridge Fight in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
The latest, possibly greatest "Apes" movie was already one of the excellent surprises of the 2011 movie season even before the film reached its climax high atop the Golden Gate Bridge. The brillz apes take on the feckless cops in a fight scene that's tense, cinematically creative and just beautiful to behold. Even more impressive than the throw-down itself is that director Rupert Wyatt manages to slip some genuine character drama into the mix without slowing down the action: Caesar, the ringleader of the simian uprising, goes from reluctant warrior to cold-blooded revolutionary when he finally realizes humans don't give a hoot about his damn dirty kind. — Eric Ditzian
7. The Final Tap-Out, "Warrior"
Sure, there are a few clichés in the MMA-heavy familial drama "Warrior," but all the great sports-centric movies have them: an abusive/alcoholic parent, the underdog fighting/playing against all odds, the competitor with nothing to lose, etc. The difference is, of course, whether they work or not. "Warrior" works. We love a story that moves us to applause or tears, and the cool, calculated intensity that builds up to the film's emotionally electric climactic fight between two very damaged brothers does just that. That final moment where one brother finally lets go of all that anger and ever so gently taps his sibling is as brutal as it is poetic. — K.W.
6. Birth Scene in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
The penultimate "Twilight" flick may not have made our list of the best movies of 2011, but it's hard to argue there was a more memorable scene — by which we mean totally goddamn bonkers — than the sequence when pregnant Bella Swan goes into labor and Edward Cullen, after realizing that a mere scalpel can't free their vampire/human spawn, goes to work on his wife's womb with his fangs. Blood is spilled, gasps and/or guffaws are unleashed by moviegoers (depending on each one's relative level of Twi-hardness), and cinematic history is made." — E.D.
5. Sebastian Shaw's Death-by-Coin, "X-Men: First Class"
It took Erik Lensherr a long, long time to return the coin "gifted" to him by Sebastian Shaw all those years ago, but when he finally got to his moment of vengeance, the wait was well worth it. Shaw's death-by-coin remains one of the coolest scenes of the year, and ranks as one of the most memorable comic book movie deaths of all time. — Josh Wigler
4. The Elevator Scene, "Drive"
It wasn't necessarily the most graphic scene in the surprisingly violent indie hit, but the elevator scene is the one that will stay with us the longest. Not only because it featured the best head bashing since "Inglourious Basterds," but because of the look on Ryan Gosling's face when he turns to see Carey Mulligan watching. — K.S.
3. Lisbeth's Revenge, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
Lisbeth's life is riddled with misfortune and loneliness, only furthered when she is anally raped by a "social servant." Very few women have the courage to come forth after such a gruesome invasion of space, let alone confront their molester. So, the fact that Lisbeth had the courage to do what we all wished would naturally have come to such an evil man makes this graphic scene gut-wrenching yet empowering. — Natasha Chandel
2. Bridal-Store Bathroom Blowout, "Bridesmaids"
Disparaging sounds of indigestion are usually correlated with the uncouth ways of boys; everything from farts to exploding diarrhea. Which is why witnessing decently classy young women let 'er rip, of no choice of their own, in the most unsanitary of ways, made this scene an instant comedy classic for this year ... and all time! — N.C.
1. Harry's Long Walk, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Eight films and over a decade later, it all came down to this: Harry taking that long walk of no-shame towards Voldemort, fully accepting his impending demise as a necessary means to ending his nemesis' reign of terror once and for all. Of course, it didn't shake out quite that simply, but Harry's willingness to die for the greater good was proof positive of how much the "Potter" films grew and matured since "The Sorcerer's Stone." — J.W.
Stick with MTV News as we count down the Best of 2011, including the top Artists, Songs, Live Performances and EDM Artists of the year.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related PhotosBrittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau
Has Gabriel Aubry moved on from Halle Berry? The former Versace model was spotted in the park with his daughter Nahla yesterday, and the duo was joined by a "mystery" woman and her two kids. Get the deets inside....
Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry's gorgeous 3-year-old daughter Nahla was spotted having a jolly old time at LA's Pan Pacific Park yesterday. Loving these pigtails! She's getting so big!
The Daddy/Daughter duo wore matching outfits (plaid shirts and jeans) and looked like they were fresh out of an American Eagle catalog.
As they hit the swing set, rode a scooter and played in the sand, little Nahla had to take a break.
Seems like Nahla knows the mystery woman's child pretty well. Hmmm....
And although Gabe's visits must be supervised by a nanny (according to the court docs), I suspect this WAS NOT the nanny as she had her OWN kids to tend to. Does Gabe have a new woman? Hmmm...
Photos via Splash
Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi
The couple started dating in 2009 while Trawick was still Britney's agent.
By Jocelyn Vena
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears
Photo: WireImage
Months ago, rumors began circulating that Britney Spears and longtime boyfriend Jason Trawick were going to tie the knot. And on Friday (December 16), sources close to the pair and a mysterious tweet from the star herself confirmed that the couple is engaged.
Trawick had already been working with the star as her agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment when they began dating in 2009. They went public with their romance when they showed up hand-in-hand to the 2010 Grammy Awards. That May, the two decided to separate their business and personal relationships, and it was confirmed that Trawick would no longer be representing Spears. The pair have always been pretty low-key. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest this March, the pop star opened up about their life together. "We're really normal," she said. "We just like to watch movies; we work out a lot; we take walks." In May, Spears told Harper's Bazaar, "I've thought about both [marriage and kids]," saying that tying the knot with Trawick could happen "if the timing was right." And in an interview with Us Weekly in April, Spears gushed about life with Trawick. "We have such a great time together! He makes me laugh, and we are so comfortable being ourselves," she said. "Maybe [I'll marry again]. Never say never!"
In August, Spears and Trawick walked the red carpet at the 2011 MTV VMAs, and Britney later thanked Trawick when she took the stage to accept her Moonman for Best Pop Video for "Till the World Ends." While the two have remained relatively private, they gave fans a peek at their personal life when they played the lead roles in Britney's "Criminal" video. The video focuses on a fictional love affair between their characters, who go on a crime spree that leads to a steamy encounter. Director Chris Marrs Piliero said Trawick "killed it." This will be Britney's third marriage. She was married to Jason Alexander for 55 hours in 2004. Later that year, she married back-up dancer Kevin Federline; the two divorced in 2006. Federline and Spears have two sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston. A rep for the singer has yet to confirm the news of this latest engagement to MTV News. Send your well-wishes to Britney and Jason in the comments.
Related Artists From Britney and Jason to K-Stew and R-Pattz, we look back at the best high-profile pair-ups of the year.
By Jocelyn Vena
Jason Trawick and Britney Spears
Photo: Denise Truscello/ WireImage
From young love to established romantic empires, 2011 was all about PDA. Some of La La Land's most A-list couples weren't shy about flaunting the love they share. From musicians to actors to everyone in between, the last 12 months were all about sharing the love. As the year winds down, MTV News is reflecting on some of our favorite couples of the year.
Britney Spears and Jason Trawick
The couple walked red carpets, gave each other shout-outs at awards shows and even got naked together in Britney's "Criminal" video, but it wasn't until December that they decided to make it official. After two years of dating, Spears and Trawick took their relationship to the next level, with confirmation that Jason put a ring on it. The pair celebrated their love and their impending nuptials in Las Vegas. Their engagement sparked headlines and left Spears "glowing." Who is your top couple of 2011? Vote in our Newsroom poll! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
Summing up Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez's year into a little blurb isn't that easy. They went to events together, and Bieber lavishly rented the Staples Center just to watch "Titanic." And when they weren't chilling out, they were giving shine to each other's hard work. Or bringing each other gifts. Remember when Bieber showed Selena his pet snake, Johnson, at the VMAs? Yes, we knew you wouldn't forget. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
The two "Twilight" stars seem poised to make our favorite couples lists for years to come. While in years past, they've remained under the radar, this year they came out of their shell and opened up about one another in interviews. Who could forget the time that K-Stew referred to her not-so-mysterious "English" boyfriend in an interview? We're assuming not R-Pattz.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z
OK, so Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been together for, like, an eternity, but it wasn't until this year that the pair really had everyone buzzing. When Beyoncé stepped out at the VMAs, her expanding midsection and flashy performance was the ultimate pregnancy announcement. Jay-Z didn't seem to mind all the attention. He celebrated the baby news in the audience with his pal Kanye West. Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose
Amber Rose rebounded from her relationship with Kanye West by falling in love with Wiz Khalifa. The couple took the world on their wild relationship ride, from doing interviews together to sparking rumors that they had tied the knot. These two kept everyone talking and they don't seem to mind the attention, or spending lots of time with one another. Did we forget your favorite couple of 2011? Let us know on Facebook!
'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' among several sequels to make it in the top 10.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.
Harry Potter said goodbye to Hogwarts and movie theaters in 2011, but not without earning boatloads of cash along the way.
The boy who lived dominated the box office this past year with more than $1.3 billion worldwide, making him the undoubted winner in a less-than-stellar year financially for movies, but "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" wasn't the only sequel to succeed. Eight of the top 10 earners at the theaters belonged to sequels, prequels or remakes.
This trend is what Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations, sees as the big box office story of 2011, for good and bad. "You can't deny sequels' potency at the box office, with seven of the top 10 grossing films of 2011 being continuing sagas — eight if you count 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes,'" Bock said.
But not every movie with a number slapped onto the back of it fared as well as "Harry Potter." Bock pointed out that holiday sequels like "Happy Feet Two," "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," all underperformed compared to their predecessors.
"You could also argue that sequels are part of the problem, too," Bock said. "The domestic box office looks like it's going to come up short in terms of overall grosses and drop 3 percent versus last year, with attendance down nearly 5 percent — which will hit its lowest point in 15 years. That's a no-win for the entire industry."
As for surprise successes and failures, two films stuck out to Bock, the comedy hit "Bridesmaids" and DC's disappointer "Green Lantern."
"Bridesmaids" made $288 million worldwide on a budget of just $32 million, Bock said. "It was finally a coming out party for women of comedy," Bock said of what he called the "female 'Hangover.' " "Universal has already made plans for a sequel, and the brides-to-be are now flirting with A-list status."
Ryan Reynolds' most recent foray into the superhero realm did just the opposite. "This was supposed to be the next Batman for the studio, and it nearly turned into 'Howard the Duck,' " Bock said. "Well, it wasn't that bad, but when you spend $200 million on a film, you obviously expect to make more than $219 million worldwide. And that's not including all the marketing and print advertising that went into the big-budget blockbuster."
For 2012, Bock expects even more sequel domination, especially with the lineup of franchise films coming out next year. He predicts "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" will top with box office in the #1 and #2 slots, respectively, with "The Hobbit," "The Avengers" and "Men in Black 3" rounding out the top five.
Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosMTV Movies team has high hopes for 'The Avengers,' 'Looper' and more.
By MTV News staff
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: Lionsgate
As we while away the last few days and hours of 2011, looking back upon all the great, unforgettable fare that descended upon our cineplexes this year, we can't help but get excited for what the new year will bring us.
We might not get another "Harry Potter," but there's a lot coming down the pike to fill the void: a new "Alien"-esque film in "Prometheus," the gritty and ruthless "Hunger Games," the superhero spectacle "The Avengers," and a brand new Batman, via "The Dark Knight Rises." Here's a brief rundown of what we hope delivers on the hype and makes our "Best of 2012" lists this time next year.
A Successful "Avengers" Assembly
I have a lot of high hopes for movies in 2012. I need "Prometheus" to be as awesome as it appears to be, and Christopher Nolan has to send Batman off in style, but perhaps my biggest concern comes in the form of "The Avengers." Bringing Earth's Mightiest Heroes together under one cinematic roof is a lofty idea, and one that could easily explode in Marvel's face. A successful "Avengers" would mean ambitious, world-building films that extend across multiple franchises can exist. An "Avengers" that fails both critically and commercially is nothing short of a gut shot for comics on the big screen. Too much effort and passion, both from filmmakers and fans, has been put into "The Avengers" over the past few years. Marvel absolutely has to get it right ... and I've got all my fingers, toes and what-have-you's crossed that they will. - Josh Wigler
Taylor Kitsch Solidifies His Movie-Star Status
Fans of the dearly departed drama "Friday Night Lights" know Taylor Kitsch as big Tim Riggins, the football-playing, bad-boy-with-a-big-heart from Dillon, Texas. But if you've never spent four quarters with the state champion Panthers, you may not be well-acquainted with Kitsch's sizeable acting chops (and even bigger biceps). After all, his big-screen turns ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "The Bang Bang Club") haven't left such an indelible mark as his TV alter ego. But that could (and should) all change in 2012, as the 30-year-old headlines two big-budget popcorn flicks: Disney's "John Carter" and the boardgame-cum-potential-blockbuster "Battleship." Here's hoping clear eyes and full hearts really can't lose. - Amy Wilkinson
"The Hunger Games" Takes Out "Twilight"
The end of the "Twilight" film franchise is bittersweet. We'll miss our favorite vampires and werewolves, but 2012 marks the arrival of a new franchise that deserves just as much attention and adoration as Stephenie Meyer's fangtastic fantasyland. "The Hunger Games" is not "Twilight" and shouldn't ever be compared as such, but it deserves that blockbuster status. This is a story about survival, self-reliance and discovery, with a female protagonist who is strong, resilient, independent, intelligent and real. In short, Suzanne Collins' creation has everything modern youth-targeted fiction lacks. I pray to the movie powers for Gary Ross' big-screen adaptation to be the biggest success story of the year and that the fan fervor for the "Games" doubles that of "Twilight." - Kara Warner
Luck For "Looper"
Looking ahead to 2012, it's impossible to not stop in awe when considering the sheer number of blockbusters I can't wait to see. This is "stars aligning" material. We're talking Batman, Bilbo and Bond, but if I have my way, people will turn out in droves to see a movie they probably haven't heard of yet: Rian Johnson's "Looper." A sci-fi/crime movie hybrid, "Looper" takes place in the near future where mobsters send their enemies back in time where waiting hitmen finish the job. In the film, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the younger and older versions of the same character, and if that and the story don't completely sell it, I'm afraid you're lost, my friend. Test screenings left critics raving, and Johnson has made consistently interesting work since his indie debut "Brick." If there is any justice at the movies, people will see "Looper." - Kevin Sullivan
Move over Jennifer Aniston, there are new hair icons in town! Emma Watson and Justin Bieber have been named the most influential celebrities of 2011 when it comes to popular hairstyles.
Jennifer Morrison Jennifer ODell Jennifer Scholle Jennifer Sky
'New year, new money. That's that,' Tip tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by FLX
T.I.
Photo: Chris McKay/ Getty Images
T.I. has a lot to celebrate this New Year's Eve. This time last year, the King of the South was locked up, serving an 11-month sentence for a probation violation, but since his September release Tip has been on a tear, dropping a ton of new music and landing a reality show with his wife, Tiny, on VH1.
Tip has some big plans for ringing in the new year, even though he tries to downplay things. "For New Year's I'm gonna be waitin' on F--- da City Up to drop. We got a party poppin' off down here in Atlanta, 200 Peachtree. We gonna turn up and it's basically that," he told MTV News nonchalantly. "Between the party and the mixtape, that's all I got going. New year, new money. That's that."
Tip has been dropping viral teasers for F--- da City Up for about a week; the latest one, which dropped on Tuesday, shows T.I. in the studio with Dr. Dre.
"Dre was here. He sent for me, and of course I answered. We really just turned up more than anything else. It was about creating chemistry," T.I. told MTV News while in Atlanta preparing for the release of the tape.
On New Year's Eve, T.I. and his Grand Hustle fam will host a party in the Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree in downtown Atlanta from 9 p.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. Sounds like fun.
