Mary J. Blige

Oscar's Best Song Category: Why Only Two Nominees?

24 Jan 2012 17:39:36 EST

Complicated voting rules shut out songs by Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Pink.
By John Mitchell

Blu and Linda in "Rio"
Photo: 20th Century Fox

Tuesday morning's (January 24) announcement of the 2012 Oscar nominations delivered plenty of surprises. Michael Fassbender ("Shame"), Albert Brooks ("Drive") and Charlize Theron ("Young Adult") were overlooked in the acting categories, while Melissa McCarthy ("Bridesmaids"), Rooney Mara ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo") and Max von Sydow ("Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close") scored surprise nominations. But perhaps no category was more head-scratching than Best Original Song.

Despite the fact that a short list of 39 tracks were eligible for nomination, only two were named — "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" and "Real in Rio" from "Rio" — leaving tunes from Elton John and Lady Gaga, Pink, will.i.am, Zooey Deschanel, Elvis Costello and Mary J. Blige shut out of the competition. Many Oscar-watchers were left wondering why the Academy would opt away from the traditional five contenders in favor of just two little-heard songs. Well, a closer look at the Oscar rule book shows it's probably less a case of choosing to nominate only two songs than it is simply a case of a single song scoring enough points to secure a nod, and then bringing its closest competition along for the ride. Oscar nominations are arrived at using a very complicated weighted system in which members of the Academy, voting exclusively for members of their own branch (i.e. actors chose the acting nominees, directors vote for directors, etc.), rank contenders in order of preference. From there, a "magic number" is determined that relies on the number of ballots cast for a category, along with a specific mathematical equation. Ballots are tallied and contenders are eliminated through several rounds in a process that tabulates factors like first-place mentions and so on. Once a contender reaches the magic number, they are an Oscar nominee. (The folks over at EW's PopWatch break down the selection steps in great detail.)

So this is how the nominees are determined — with one exception: Best Original Song. In 2009, when the Academy opted to up the number of Best Picture nominees to 10 (the voting body has since altered that number), it also changed the rules for Best Original Song. As Billboard points out, members of the Academy's music branch now "assign each song a numerical score between 1 and 10, and if no song receives an average of more than 8.25, there are no nominees. If only one song tops the threshold, as clearly happened here, the next highest vote getter secures a nomination as well." This year's Best Original Song category boils down to this: either Bret McKenzie's "Man or Muppet" or "Real in Rio" by songwriting trio Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown and Siedah Garrett secured a score of 8.25 or better, earning a nomination and pulling the #2 vote-getter into the fray. Simply put, members of the music branch didn't award any other song, including John and Gaga's duet "Hello Hello" or Blige's "The Help" track "Living Proof," a score high enough to secure a nomination. But lest you think that this means the category is all but locked, think again. While selecting the Oscar nominees is an intensely mathematical process, picking the winners is much easier. Once the nominations are decided, every member of the Academy can vote in each category and the nominee that receives the most votes wins. Easy enough. And since actors are the largest voting block of the Academy— and would have had nothing to do with the tracks selected to contend for Best Original Song — it's anyone's game. See the complete list of Academy Awards Nominations.

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Mary J. Blige Takes On Pat Benatar, Journey In 'Rock Of Ages'

20 Dec 2011 17:11:27 EST

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul tells MTV News her character in the big-screen '80s musical is 'a light in a dark place.'
By Jocelyn Vena

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

Mary J. Blige is already one of the biggest divas in the music industry, but she's gearing up to set the big screen on fire in 2012 with the movie version of the hit Broadway show "Rock of Ages."

"In the movie 'Rock of Ages,' I play a gentleman's club owner and her name is Justice Charlier and she has to try to be a light in a dark place. ... [My role is] to make these chicks feel better about their lives and move past the strip club," she told MTV News at "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul," where she took the stage alongside Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Jill Scott. But the movie's not sad all the time. The singer noted that, much like the stage spectacle the film is based on, there are good times to be had. And for anyone who loved the Broadway show or has watched the "Rock of Ages" trailer, it's clear that '80s nostalgia and merriment will be celebrated in abundance. "[It's] a lot of '80s classic rock that I'm singing: Pat Benatar, Journey even," she said. "It's fun." Directed by Adam Shankman, the film drops next summer and co-stars Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin.

Blige also was just nominated for a Golden Globe for her song from "The Help" soundtrack. Blige's "The Living Proof" also landed on the Oscars short list for Best Original Song. So, 2012 could be the year that Mary J. takes La La Land by storm. "I'm excited about all of the success because I work really hard," she explained. "I put time in. I'm the type of artist that doesn't get anything for free. I have to bust my tail for everything, and I did exactly that." Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Mary J. Blige

Amy Winehouse Tribute Steals Show At 'VH1 Divas'

19 Dec 2011 22:42:44 EST

'VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul' featured performances by Kelly Clarkson, Florence Welch, Jessie J and many others.
By Jocelyn Vena

Jennifer Hudson,Kelly Clarkson and Mary J Blige perform onstage during VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at Hammerstein Ballroom on December 18, 2011 in New York City
Photo: Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — Glittering clothes, big voices and sassy songs about love, loss and everything in between ruled the night during "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul." The concert was filled with booty-shaking, sing-along performances from Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Florence and the Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Jessie J and others, who rocked the Hammerstein Ballroom for the show, which aired Monday night (December 19) on VH1. With an assist from the night's house band the Roots, it all kicked off with Hudson, Clarkson and Blige channeling the Supremes for "You Keep Me Hangin' On," before launching into a medley of their own tracks, "Spotlight," "Real Love" and "Since U Been Gone."

The performance set the tone for the night, which not only paid homage to the women in the room, both legendary and up-and-coming, but also the cities that birthed some of the most soulful songs in music history, including Chicago, London, Detroit, Philadelphia and Memphis, Tennessee. Through the night, divas from all walks of life, including Erykah Badu, Estelle, Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Martha Reeves, Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi, as well as a few divos (Boyz II Men and Travie McCoy), sang some of the biggest hits from soul music's lush history. The set list included a sampling of tracks like "Nowhere to Run" by Martha and the Vandellas, "Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox, "I'll Take You There" by the Staple Singers and "Ain't Nobody" by Khan herself. When the cities themselves weren't being honored, the divas were, with solo performances that demonstrated the ladies' killer vocal prowess. Florence Welch, Clarkson, Sharon Jones, Jessie J, Scott, Hudson and Blige each took the stage to give some shine to their own tracks and pop styles, proving that soul music is a genre that is still alive and well. The Amy Winehouse tribute was the culmination of the night. Although "VH1 Divas" was all about the living performers who belted out songs at the concert, the presence of one diva gone too soon was certainly felt. Instead of focusing on the loss suffered when the British songstress died over the summer, the show focused on a celebration of her music. "What's up New York?" the tribute's MC, Nas, asked the room. "When the legendary Amy Winehouse sang about me in her song 'Me and Mr. Jones,' I was so honored. Amy Winehouse was my true soul sister." The two worked together on her Lioness: Hidden Treasures track, "Like Smoke." "I'm here to honor a woman who had enough soul to last a lifetime," he added. The presence of his "home girl" was felt in the room thanks to her game-changing music as reimagined by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (the latter of whom worked with her on her Back to Black album), Florence Welch and Wanda Jackson. The medley included her soul-killing breakup track "Back to Black" and her sassy anthem "You Know I'm No Good."

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VH1 Divas Bring Style, Soul To Red Carpet

19 Dec 2011 13:46:52 EST

Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson sparkle at 'VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul,' airing tonight at 9 p.m. ET.
By Christina Garibaldi

Jennifer Hudson
Photo: Getty Images

Some of the industry's biggest divas brought more than just soul to "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" on Sunday night: they also brought style.

The annual show, which this year celebrates the birthplaces of soul music, is set to air Monday (December 19) at 9 p.m. ET on VH1. MTV News hit the red carpet at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom, where we got to preview the fashion. Jennifer Hudson showed off her stunning figure in a skin-tight Francesco Scognamiglio dress with a ruffled neckline. The Oscar winner completed the look with thigh-high rose-colored boots, also by Francesco Scognamiglio. Mary J. Blige worked the carpet in a champagne-colored, crystal-embellished gown from Michael Kors. Florence, MJB, Jessie J Bring the Glam at 'Divas': MTV Style Has the Looks! Champagne seemed to be a trend for the night, as Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch also opted for a nude color in an embroidered Antonio Berardi dress. Welch was on hand to honor the late Amy Winehouse. "It's a real honor, actually, to be counted amongst these amazing female performers," Welch told MTV News on Friday. "It's really special for me, because I am still a relatively new artist, and to be up there with these really established singers is amazing for me ... I'm really grateful." British songstress Jessie J, who never shies away from taking fashion risks, bared almost all in a sheer black dress with gold detailing, complete with shoulder pads and a black panel bottom. The boys also held their own against powerful divas like Kelly Clarkson and Jill Scott, as Travie McCoy and Boyz II Men took the "Divas" stage. Tune in to "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" on Monday, December 19, at 9 p.m. ET on VH1!

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Mary J. Blige, Jessie J On What Makes A 'VH1 Diva'

19 Dec 2011 12:47:18 EST

'For me to be a part of it in any way is incredible,' Jessi J tells MTV News before show, airing tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on VH1.
By Jocelyn Vena

Mary J. Blige
Photo: Getty Images

NEW YORK — On Sunday night, some of the music industry's biggest divas gathered at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan to pay tribute to some of the most-soulful divas in the biz for "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul." Kelly Clarkson, Florence Welch, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J and Jill Scott all put their new-millennium spin on classics from cities like Detroit, Chicago, London, Philadelphia and Memphis, Tennessee.

"I don't even know what a diva is," Dolly Parton told MTV News on the red carpet before the big show kicked off. "I think it's someone that's strong in their beliefs, strong in their own talent, strong in who they are. ... I see a lot of divas around here, and some say I am one, and I don't know if that's true or not," she joked. "Do you think I'm a diva?" Jessie J waxed poetic about the title "diva." "Sometimes the media can completely misunderstand what the word 'diva' means," she said. "To me, tonight is what it's about, and every single person's that been here that's had longevity, passion, consistent, amazing music that goes around the globe. For me to be a part of it in any way is incredible." The show recalled some of the greatest hits from divas present, past and future. And it even took time to fondly remember the late Amy Winehouse, whose own music was so deeply inspired by soul music of days past. "She's in a class by herself," Mary J. Blige said. "She just broke the mold when she came out; it was like, 'Wow, who is this?' And I could hear all of the pain before I even knew she had pain." While every diva at the show, which airs Monday night (December 19) on VH1, has played a pivotal role in pop music, Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy doesn't believe that many will be as influential as Winehouse. "I don't think there's gonna be another voice that cut through the way her voice cut through," he said. "And I think that alone makes her a legend." Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, one of the performers during the tribute, summed up Winehouse: "She was the most incredible artist, and I feel kind of overwhelmed to be doing it," she said. She later took the stage with Nas, Wanda Jackson and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings to remember Winehouse's catalogue of music. "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT tonight on VH1.

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Beyonce/ Mary J. Blige Duet Was Meant For 4

18 Nov 2011 18:35:19 EST

'She sent it through her A&R people to give to me,' MJB says of My Life II's 'Love a Woman.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf

Beyonce Knowles and Mary J. Blige
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage

Not sure how to keep your woman happy? Just ask Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. The two divas lay out a tutorial on how to court the fairer sex with "Love a Woman," from MJB's upcoming My Life II ... The Journey Continues, Act I. But fans may be surprised to learn that the long-overdue collaboration was nearly a one-woman affair.

B initially recorded the song for her4 LP, but thought it would be a better fit as a duet with Mary. "It was a song she recorded for her album that didn't fit her album and she sent it through her A&R people to give to me," Mary revealed to MTV News. "When the song came, her voice was on it completely and it was just amazing and I wasn't sure that they wanted to give me this record because it was so amazing." The soothing track starts off with Mary sweetly singing, "So you think you know how to love a woman/ But I think it's still some things you need to know." As the flowery instrumental builds with a serene piano melody and accentuating horns, MJB goes on to warn that a woman needs more than material things. B turns up the heat demanding that she needs "more than sex," she needs to be made love to. From there, the song plays as a lyrical how-to. Communication is a must, as is respect, but coming home late and being a one-minute man is a no-no. While both the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and an expecting Queen B display good chemistry on the song, a video for the track may be hard to pull off. "I'm sure 'Love a Woman' would be a single but I can't really trouble Beyoncé right now; she's pregnant and I'm sure she's doing her stuff," Mary said. "So whenever she's ready, if she's ever ready, I'm ready and it'll be great." Should MJB and B shoot a video for "Love a Woman"? Tell us in the comments!

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Heavy D 'Brought So Much Light,' Mary J. Blige Says

17 Nov 2011 12:15:09 EST

'Every song Heavy D ever put out was something to uplift us,' former labelmate tells MTV News about her fallen friend.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf

Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

Mary J. Bilge famously sang "Not Gon' Cry" on her 1996 single, but when the topic of her fallen friend and former Uptown Records labelmate Heavy D came up, the emotion was just too much to hold back.

"Heavy D was so beloved because the impact he made on music was that we could have fun: We can do hip-hop without murdering and killing everybody," a tearful MJB told MTV News on Tuesday in Beverly Hills. "And he just brought so much light." Mary, like Heavy, hailed from the outskirts of New York City — him from Mount Vernon, her from Yonkers. It was 1987 when Heavy D & the Boyz released their first album, Living Large, on Uptown Records. Mary was signed years later, and in 1992, dropped her debut album, What's the 411? — but her earliest memories of Heavy pre-date her days in the music industry. "I just remember being a child and him coming to King school, where they used to have all the performers come, and they came and did 'The Overweight Lover,' " Mary recalled with tears in her eyes. "We always needed something to uplift us, and he brought us so much joy because we were always in a place where we didn't have enough, we couldn't get enough money, but the King school show was free, and every song Heavy D ever put out was something to uplift us." The exact cause of Heavy D's death November 8 is still unclear, as initial autopsy results came up inconclusive. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills after a 911 call was placed from his home. Heavy had difficulty breathing and was pronounced dead after he reached the hospital. There will be a public viewing for the fallen rapper Thursday (November 17) at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, and a private funeral service for family and close friends Friday. BET is planning a special tribute to Heavy D during the Soul Train Awards on November 27. Rappers Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow, Naughty by Nature, Whodini and Stetsasonic's Daddy-O are all expected to take part. Share your fondest memory of Heavy D in the comments.

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Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu To Party At Black Girls Rock!

04 Nov 2011 20:09:20 EDT

Jill Scott, Estelle, Melanie Fiona and more also hit the stage to celebrate 'brilliance' of black women at show airing Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
By Rebecca Thomas

Mary J. Blige performs at BET's 2011 Black Girls Rock!
Photo: Scott Weiner/PictureGroup

NEW YORK — On a windy Saturday last month, the Paradise Theater in the Bronx was an undulating sea of sequins, stilettos and star power as the 2011 edition of Black Girls Rock! got under way. An annual celebration of the accomplishments of black women in a myriad of spheres, from science and technology to the arts and politics, the event is the brainchild of philanthropist Beverly Bond, a onetime model/DJ. Imagine balling up the sentiments of your favorite empowerment anthem into a fist and then sprinkling them like confetti over a gathering of girls, and you might begin to get an idea of what it felt like to sit in that majestic theater during the taping of the show that night. You'll get to see for yourself when it airs Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on BET. Actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King opened their co-hosting gig — dressed in an ebony gown and an ivory sequined pantsuit, respectively — with some funny banter about their mutual connection to all-grown-up "Cosby" kid Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Ellis Ross plays Warner's wife on the brand-new BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines," while King is his real-life leading lady). Over the course of the night, with assists from a series of celeb presenters like former MTV VJ LaLa Anthony and model Alek Wek, "BGR" '11 gave special nods to some much-deserving honorees. MTV News rode the D train to the Grand Concourse in the BX and previewed some of the highlights for you. The Anthems
Any R&B diva worth her salt has at least one love-yourself tune to her credit, but if you're Mary J. Blige, the undisputed queen of hip-hop/soul, then you've got a catalog full of certified classics guaranteed to cure Superwoman syndrome. Fans were treated to a rousing, show-closing set that included MJB's "My Life" and "Just Fine." Soul sisters like Jill Scott (the poetic "Womanifesto") and Erykah Badu (an intergalactic "On and On") are just a few of the stirring performers who pass the baton to upstarts like Elle Varner and Melanie Fiona. Who Run the World?
Yes, there was a 70-something gospel legend and a duo of trailblazing activists battling violence against women as part of the Rebecca Project, but some of the most impressive award recipients were girls barely out of their tweens. M.A.D. (Making a Difference) Girl honoree Leanna Archer, became CEO of her own natural hair-care products company at 13, and now just 15, heads up a foundation devoted to helping underprivileged kids in Haiti. Girl 'Power'
While some of us are confronting the so-called "quarterlife-crisis" or maybe occupying Wall Street at 25, Angela Davis had just hit the quarter-century mark when she began building a formidable career as an activist, aligning with movements like the Black Panther Party. The Brandeis-educated Davis went on to spend the next few decades crusading for marginalized groups like African-Americans, women and prisoners. The winner of this year's Icon Award admitted she used to feel "embarrassed" seeing her face staring back at her from T-shirts until she realized that the garments represented the "translation of the success of a movement." That's real girl power, and theatergoers thanked her (fists raised) with a standing ovation. Screen Stars
Co-hosts Ellis Ross and King weren't the only big- and small-screen stars to grace the stage. Taraji P. Henson was honored with the Star Power prize. The actress was already a young mom to a son when she got to Hollywood, but it was her fictional role as mom to A-lister Brad Pitt in the "Curious Case of Benjamin Button" that earned her an Oscar nod in 2008 for Best Supporting Actress. In an upbeat acceptance speech, the extroverted Henson reminisced about praying for "longevity" back in those early casting call days. Catch "Black Girls Rock!" Sunday on BET at 8 p.m. ET.

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Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, More Are 2011 'VH1 Divas'

27 Oct 2011 13:41:25 EDT

Jill Scott, Florence and the Machine and Jessie J will also perform at the concert event, which celebrates soul this year.
By James Dinh

Kelly Clarkson
Photo: Mike Moore/ Getty Images

"VH1 Divas" is back and ready to celebrate some soul. On Thursday (October 27), it was announced that Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Florence and the Machine and Jessie J will serve as the star-studded lineup for the long-running concert event, which airs December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on VH1. This year, VH1 is paying tribute to prominent birthplaces of soul music, including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia. Blige and company are expected to pay homage to these cities and the genre through their own soulful tracks as well as some of the genre's classic tunes onstage at New York's iconic Hammerstein Ballroom. And it's not just women who are in on the celebration, but also the Roots, who have been confirmed as the event's house band. ?uestlove is set to pull double-duty during the concert as musical director too. In a press release for the ceremony, VH1's Lee Rolontz shared her thoughts on the 2011 theme. "This year's telecast will showcase the vast impact soul music has had on the 21st century's music and pop culture landscape as our talented and diverse lineup will attest," she said. "This year's Divas offers a modern twist on soul music, all while tipping its hat to the legacy of key cities that created this musical heritage." Additional announcements regarding even more performers, presenters and special guests are to be expected in the coming weeks. Clarkson took to Twitter shortly after the announcement to share her excitement. "Super stoked to announce that I am performing at #VH1DIVAS!!" the songstress tweeted. "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" marks the former "American Idol" alum's second appearance on the series. The singer appeared on the event's comeback ceremony in 2009 alongside Adele and Miley Cyrus. Who are you most excited to see at 2011's "VH1 Divas"? Share your comments below!

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Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera Join 2011 AMA Performers

24 Oct 2011 14:32:42 EDT

Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Maroon 5 also will perform, joining the likes of Katy Perry and Pitbull, at the American Music Awards.
By James Montgomery

Justin Bieber (R) performs on stage at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv on April 14, 2011
Photo: Jack Guez/ AFP

Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5 have been added to the ever-expanding list of performers for the 2011 American Music Awards, joining a roster of talent that already includes Katy Perry and Pitbull. While most of this year's performances are being kept under wraps, a spokesperson for Dick Clark Productions announced Monday (October 24) that Aguilera and Maroon 5 will team up on their current smash "Moves Like Jagger" at this year's AMAs, which will air live on ABC on November 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Earlier this month, in a nomination special hosted by Pitbull and Nicki Minaj, it was revealed that Perry would head into the show as one of the night's most-nominated acts (along with fellow females Adele, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift), up for Artist of the Year, Pop or Rock Music: Favorite Female Artist and Adult Contemporary Music: Favorite Artist. It's somewhat fitting, given not only the rather huge year she's had, but that she also delivered a full-throttle version of her hit "Firework" at last year's AMAs. For the fifth year, American Music Award winners will be determined by online voting. Fans can support their favorites in all categories by heading over to AMAVote.com. The 2011 American Music Awards will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.