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'I want them to know that Britney is back and better than ever,' Larry Rudolph tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Britney Spears performs "Till the World Ends" at Rain nightclub in the Palms Las Vegas
Photo: Roderick Trestrail
Britney Spears gives fans an inside look at her life and the making of her latest album in the MTV special "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale."
MTV News has of course been tracking the release of her record, which finally dropped on Tuesday, but we were also on hand as she performed in Las Vegas at the Palms' Rain nightclub. Fans will get to see the show — and much more — for themselves when the special airs on Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
When we spoke to Spears' longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, in Vegas, he told us Brit wanted to put on a spectacle for her fans. She wanted to take her first Femme Fatale live performance to Vegas because much like the city, Spears' concerts have lots of sparkle, pyro and razzmatazz, he explained.
"We chose this place; we chose the Palms because the Palms is where Britney has so much history," he said. "We performed here with the Britney album, we did a similar thing. We're doing this eight years later now and we're doing it for the fans."
Rudolph stressed that Spears has one main goal: to entertain her fans in the Femme Fatale era. "For her, it was really important to do it for the fans the first time she was out there," he explained. "To do it here in Las Vegas, where everything is bigger and everything is more exciting and the fans are here for her, this was the place to do it.
"I want them to know — when the fans watch this — I want them to know that Britney is back and better than ever, not that she's ever gone anywhere," he continued. "But she's back and she's better than ever."
Don't miss "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" on Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
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By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Sway Calloway and Britney Spears
Photo: MTV News & Docs
What do Britney Spears and Usher have in common? Well, they are both global superstars with a back catalogue of tunes that have kept fans dancing for a really long time and they both recently hooked up with will.i.am for tracks on their latest releases (the Black Eyed Peas mastermind worked on the pop vixen's Femme Fatale tune "Big Fat Bass"). And, if Spears has her way, she and the "OMG" singer could be hitting the road together.
When Spears sat down to talk with Sway Calloway for her "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special — airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV — the singer revealed that Usher is first on her list of artists she'd like to join her on tour.
"Oh, I'm so excited. I'm really excited about going on tour, very," she explained about her forthcoming summer trek, which happens to have a spot open on the bill now that Enrique Iglesias has pulled out of the gig. "I think Usher's really great right now. I think he's really hot right now. That would be cool [to tour with him]."
The North American road trip is expected to kick off June 17 in Sacramento, California, and will run for 26 dates, winding up on August 13 in Toronto. More details will be announced soon.
The "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special is a mixture of behind-the-scenes footage of the singer as she wraps up production on her album, which dropped this week, as well as an inside look at her life and fans. In addition, those who couldn't make Spears' recent nightclub show in Las Vegas will get to see her as she takes the stage in her latest pop incarnation.
Don't miss "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale," airing Sunday (April 3) at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
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By Gil Kaufman
DJ Pauly D
Photo: Tom Briglia/ FilmMagic
Shortly after it was announced that he would be touring with Britney Spears this summer, and then it was revealed that he would not be hitting the road with the Femme Fatale, Enrique Iglesias finally addressed his fans on the matter.
Though he didn't go into the details, Iglesias posted a message on WhoSay.com, saying, "Hey guys, sorry for the confusion regarding a possible tour in the summer with Britney Spears. We are on the Euphoria Tour and will continue to do so including some soon-to-be-announced dates in US. So hope to see all of you soon."
Iglesias came clean as a raft of rumors began swirling about who may replace him on the tour, including whispers about a certain "Jersey Shore" DJ, a fellow Disney star and a certain Barbie-loving Queens MC.
Spears has revealed to MTV News that she would love to tour with Usher if given the chance, and Zap2It quoted unnamed sources saying that Joe Jonas is a top candidate to join the outing, since he's working on a dance-leaning solo record that might fit in with the Spears vibe.
And, after shooting down rumors that she might join Simon Cowell's "X Factor," Young Money honey Nicki Minaj has also been mentioned by TMZ as a possible replacement, which would make for a fierce female double-bill. The gossip site said the two camps were in "serious talks" and that it's looking "very good" that an arrangement could be reached by this weekend.
Though he would not likely do the whole tour because he's slated to film season four of the "Jersey Shore" in Italy next month, DJ Pauly D was mentioned in the New York Daily News as a potential opener for Brit. That would make perfect sense, since the pair share a manager in Larry Rudolph, but spokespeople for both had not commented on the rumor at press time.
Spears Britney's Femme Fatale tour is scheduled to kick off on June 17 in Sacramento and will run for 26 dates through North America, winding up on August 13 in Toronto.
Who do you think should open for Britney? Let us know in comments below!
Don't miss "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" on Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
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By Jocelyn Vena
Lady Gaga
Photo: Tom Briglia/ WireImage
It looks like someone is trying to fool Little Monsters everywhere by posting incorrect lyrics online for Lady Gaga's "Judas." Various versions of lyrics reportedly from the track hit the Internet, and it appears that someone used Gaga's recent Google interview as inspiration.
So far, the only real lyrics from the song are: "When he comes to me, I am ready/ I'll wash his feet with my hair if he needs/ Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain/ Even after three times, he betrays me/ I'll bring him down, a king with no crown." Gaga previously shared an additional line from the song on Twitter, writing, "I'm just a Holy Fool, oh baby he's so cruel, but I'm still in love with Judas, baby."
From there, someone took all those real lyrics and crafted their own version of the song, which was co-produced by RedOne and the Mother Monster herself. For now, until "Judas" officially drops, fans at least have Gaga's confessions about the track.
"You have to look into what is haunting you and you need to look into forgiving yourself in order to move on," she said about the song, which will be the second single from Born This Way.. "And it's really fun to dance to and sounds like it could be a pop Priest record."
Gaga and her creative director, Laurieann Gibson, will co-direct the video, and Gibson seemed excited about the clip when she spoke to MTV News. " 'Judas' is exciting for me because we had this amazing artistic approach to 'Born This Way,' and I'm so excited for how riveting, energetic and electric the record is, something really phenomenal," Gibson said. "So, visually, the dance, the costuming, the idea of how big we're trying to go, [it's] going to be a roller-coaster ride."
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By Jocelyn Vena
Pauly D
Photo: MTV News & Docs
When Britney Spears took the stage at Rain nightclub at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last Friday, she was joined by the casino's resident DJ, none other than "Jersey Shore" star Pauly D, who spun tunes for Spears' rollicking three-song set.
MTV News caught up with the DJ, who said that it was quite a trip having his name up on the Palms marquee along with Spears'. "It's amazing. I like to see my name on marquees anyway, but now having it associated with Britney Spears [is awesome]," he admitted. "I've been a fan of her my whole life. I used to always play her music, so it's unreal."
Pauly further explained that when it comes to all the right ingredients coming together, having Brit and him on a bill together in Vegas is about as good as it gets. "Me, Britney and Vegas is the perfect combination. I love Las Vegas. I love music. Britney Spears loves music. Her new album's out, and who better to be onstage with her than DJ Pauly D?" he joked.
So, how does one prepare for a gig alongside the Femme Fatale star herself? "As a DJ, my style's like fresh to death," Pauly explained. He admitted that he makes sure his hair is just right, and of course, he throws in some GTL beforehand. But most importantly, "my music's got to be on point. The fresher I feel, the better I'm gonna perform."
Since all of the songs on Brit's album are club-ready, Pauly says he can foresee spinning any one of them. "Femme Fatale is amazing," he gushed about the critically acclaimed album. "Her music is amazing. It's all club bangers. 'Till the World Ends' is her new track and 'Hold It Against Me' goes off in the club."
To catch the Vegas performance, don't miss the "Britney Spears: I Am the Femme Fatale" special, airing Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.
Related VideosRelated PhotosRelated ArtistsJerry Bruckheimer Cristiano Ronaldo Alex Rodriguez Robert Pattinson Conan O\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'Brien Earlier this week we saw photos of Michael Lohan gettin’ frisky with his new chick, known only as Bernadette, in Florida but today we learn that the couple have made their way here to SoCal to gross out the folks who live here with their new love affair. Michael and Bernadette made their way to [...] Rascal Flatts Charlie Sheen Derek Jeter Lance Armstrong Kristen Stewart Judge pushes start of Conrad Murray's trial back to May.
By Gil Kaufman
Conrad Murray
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Though Conrad Murray's lawyers had been pressing for a speedy trial, a judge in the involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's doctor ruled on Wednesday to delay opening statements in the proceedings until May.
The Associated Press reported that Murray's attorneys consented to the postponement after they discussed the matter with prosecutors and both agreed they could be ready for trial by May 9.
According to a transcript from the closed-door session, though opening statements will not begin for several months, Murray told Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor that he did not want to forfeit his right to a quick trial, but agreed to the delay if screening of prospective jurors begins as scheduled on March 24.
"It is only acceptable to me if this is not strung along over a long period of time," Murray told the justice. "I don't want to lose my constitutional right to speedy trial." Murray — who has pleaded not guilty to the charges — reportedly has been in favor of having the proceedings begin as soon as possible because he is facing financial troubles, but he said he understands that the delay is necessary to allow both sides to prepare for the trial.
Pastor consented because he said he didn't want to lose a jury pool, and believed a month-long delay might let potential jurors shuffle their schedules for the case, which could take up to two months to decide. The judge has reportedly clashed with Murray's defense team in recent weeks, pressing them for answers about why they had not turned over more witness notes and other potential evidence to prosecutors in the run-up to the trial.
Cardiologist Murray was hired to be Jackson's personal physician while the King of Pop prepared for his planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 arena in the summer of 2009. The doctor told police that he provided the then-50-year-old Jackson with sedatives and the surgical anesthetic propofol in order to combat the singer's chronic insomnia. He said he did so on the morning of June 25, 2009, when Jackson died of what a coroner deemed acute propofol poisoning.
Murray's lawyers reportedly plan to argue that Jackson was already in weak health before he died, that it's unfair to blame propofol for his passing and that, if the anesthetic was to blame, the pop superstar may have given himself the fatal dose by drinking the drug in a panic.
A status hearing in the case has been set for this Wednesday.
Related VideosRelated PhotosRelated ArtistsKristen Stewart Toby Keith Sean (Diddy) Combs Stephen King Sarah Jessica Parker ????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ?????????????????? ??????? 2000 ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????? ????????????????????? ??????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ????? ???????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ????? D ????????? 5 ????????? ????????????????? 2010 ? 6 ???? ??????????? 3.2 ??????????????????????????? read more  George Lucas Glenn Beck Ryan Seacrest Phil Mickelson Ben Stiller Amid Hong Kong's race to build the biggest, newest and tallest buildings, it is humbling to remember the structures that date from the city's early days. Here are some of the best of Hong Kong's heritage buildings, picked by the Commissioner for Heritage Laura Aron. Aron works on the adaptive reuse of government-owned historic buildings. She tries to strike a balance between development and conservation when revamping these beautiful, frail old structures. 1. King Yin LeiThis stunning mansion garnered a huge amount of media attention during the "Save King Yin Lei Campaign" in 2004. ?It is not only unique in architecture," says Aron. read more  Beyonce Knowles James Cameron Lady Gaga Tiger Woods Britney Spears Sometimes, the only thing you need to clean the crime-ridden city streets is one determined hobo with one incredibly reliable shotgun. That's the case in the more than aptly titled "Hobo with a Shotgun," director Jason Eisener's big-screen adaptation of his widespread grindhouse trailer. Rutger Hauer stars in the blood-soaked old school throwback as the titular [...] Bruce Springsteen Angelina Jolie Rush Limbaugh Michael Jordan Dr. Phil McGraw Mother Monster tells the crowd at her show on Monday that her fans are 'the best birthday present you could give me.'
By Kara Warner
Lady Gaga performs at Staples Center on Monday
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — A Lady Gaga concert is unlike any other live music event for two reasons: First, Mother Monster obviously puts on one helluva show — passionate, energetic, etc. — and second, there's the amount of effort her most dedicated fans, the Little Monsters, put into their unbelievable, outrageous and scandalous ensembles. Braving the teeming masses in the floor section of a Gaga concert is like being dropped in the midst of a half-naked, sparkly, Lycra-filled Halloween parade.
So was the scene on Monday night at the Staples Center, where Gaga shared her blood, sweat and tears with the nearly 20,000 screaming audience members ... on her 25th birthday, no less.
"I'm going to kick your ass tonight!" Gaga declared after her opening number, "Dancing in the Dark," and at the start of "Just Dance." She challenged the crowd to stay on their feet and to be themselves, which became the theme of the evening.
"The Monster Ball will set you free," she said during a beat between "Just Dance" and "Fame." "You can be whoever you want to be."
Naturally, the crowd ate up every word Gaga spoke, particularly her words of encouragement and love for her fans.
"Thank you for the best birthday present you could give me," she said, indicating that the present was her fans themselves. "Thank you for still buying tickets to my show. Thank you for believing in my music."
And in between the heartfelt thanks, the Lady left room for joking around. She told the crowd that her dad had advised her to be extra careful during her birthday performance because her fans will throw gifts up onstage. "He said, 'Please be careful what you put in your mouth.' " Also, when one concertgoer indicated that they had brought her Nutella, she said she had to politely "rebuke" the gift because she had to prep for the "Judas" video.
Besides Gaga's words of wisdom and heartfelt thanks, of course, there was plenty of her chart-topping music. The major highlights of the show — in addition to a rousing "Happy Birthday" sung by the crowd toward the end of the evening — included "Born This Way," which Gaga performed twice: the first, a stripped-down version she delivered at the piano and accompanied with an inspiring story regarding a long-desired pair of ruby slippers and dreams that really do come true ("Someday someone will hand you a pair of ruby slippers!"); the second, her show-stopping second encore. Also very worthy of a mention were "Alejandro" — the choreography performed by Gaga's extremely talented and acrobatic core of dancers was incredible — the new ballad "You and I" and the always-killer "Bad Romance."
Do you have belated birthday wishes for Lady Gaga? Share them in the comments.
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