Omarion

Mario Lopez Raves About New 'America's Best Dance Crew' Judge Omarion

28 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST

'I think it's our best season yet,' Lopez tells Ellen DeGeneres of fifth season, which premieres tonight.
By Jocelyn Vena

Mario Lopez on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
Photo: Warner Bros. Television

The new season of "America's Best Dance Crew" is about to kick off Thursday night (January 28), and host Mario Lopez stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to talk about what fans should expect. "We're going into our fifth season. I'm really excited about it, 'cause I think it's our best season yet," he said in a chat with the talk-show host. "I know a lot of people say that all the time, but we're doing extra episodes, and we really broke it down region by region and giving each region its own episode. We have a new judge, Omarion. He's doing a great job ... so it's going to be fun." Omarion is filling in for original judge Shane Sparks, who was arrested in December and charged with eight counts of felony child molestation. He is currently awaiting trial. In addition to kicking off the new season of "ABDC," Lopez will also host the "Miss America" pageant this weekend, and he's looking forward to it — except having to dance alongside the female contestants. "They always throw me in the opening number," he laughed. "So that's kind of tough." With his hosting gigs for "Extra" and "America's Best Dance Crew," Lopez is also thinking about tackling a cameo on "Glee." Although he didn't have any specifics about potential guest-starring roles, he's all for the idea. "We're trying to figure out what character I'll do," he told Ellen. "America's Best Dance Crew" premieres Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.

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Omarion Named New Judge On 'America's Best Dance Crew'

21 Jan 2010 15:09:00 EST

Season five premieres January 28 at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.
By Amy Wilkinson

Omarion
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

When the latest crop of crews takes the dance floor for the fifth season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew," they'll see a new face at the judges' table: R&B singer Omarion has been named the newest judge on the dancing-competition series. "He is an accomplished dancer, artist and actor who knows what makes a good dance crew performance," said Liz Gateley, senior vice president of series development for MTV. "We are very excited for him to join Lil Mama and JC Chasez as our third judge." "I'm so excited to be a judge on MTV's 'America's Best Dance Crew,' " Omarion said in a statement. "Dancing and performing is what I do and being a judge on this show will allow me to give creative feedback to the newest and hottest dancers on the rise." The 25-year-old singer/actor rose to fame as a member of the boy band B2K before setting out on his own. He has released three solo albums including his latest, Ollusion, which dropped January 12. He's appeared in several television and film roles, most notably in the 2004 dance drama "You Got Served." "Omarion is a great friend, and I am looking forward to him joining the 'ABDC' family," said Randy Jackson, executive producer of "America's Best Dance Crew." "Season five is going to be blazing hot." Original judge Shane Sparks was arrested in December and charged with eight counts of felony child molestation. He is currently awaiting trial. The fifth season of "America's Best Dance Crew" premieres January 28 at 10 p.m. ET on MTV.

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Omarion On New Album Ollusion: 'It's A Good Situation'

12 Jan 2010 16:48:00 EST

'I kinda have this thing for trying out new things,' he says of the sounds on his latest LP.
By Shaheem Reid

Omarion
Photo: Arnold Turner/ Getty Images

Omarion has finally found the perfect balance between family, friends and work — his mother even appears in the video for his new single, "Hoodie." His third solo LP, Ollusion, is now in stores, and after false starts with Timbaland's Mosely Music Group and Lil Wayne's Young Money, O is independent — the album came out on his own Starworld Entertainment imprint. "The title derived from the word illusion," he explained to MTV News. "The thing about Omarion and my history, because I've been in the game so long, sometimes I feel I could be typecast. That's why I decided to change my appearance and things like that. You always hear rumors of me — I've got a girl pregnant. I've married a stripper and she's bisexual. There's so much misconception about Omarion. I felt Ollusion was the perfect title because people don't really know me that well even though I've been in the game. Ollusion is gonna set things straight."

O's first single was "I Get It In" with Gucci Mane, and that record was followed up by "Hoodie." " 'Hoodie' is, like, one of my favorite songs on the album," he said. "It's a conceptual record. It's rare you'll hear conceptual records that identify with objects. 'Hoodie' is something I felt like Michael [Jackson] would do. Along with the video, at the beginning of the video I dedicated it to Michael. Jay Rock is in the video and so is my mother. Jay Rock is family — when I heard that verse, I was like, ' OK Jay Rock.' " "Speedin'," is actually a slow track, and displays O's more conventional singing delivery. He croons about finding his way back to his loved one's heart. "That record, I know it has the potential to be one of the biggest records I ever had," he offered. " 'Speedin'' was produced by 253. The thing about 'Speedin'' was that this is what people know me for moreso than 'I Get It In.' People have known me for being the person that has tried new things. ... I kinda have this thing for trying out new things. 'Speedin'' is more of, like, an Omarion-sounding record. It's a banger, my second single. It's a good situation."

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Omarion Is 'Definitely' Going To See 'Michael Jackson's This Is It'

21 Oct 2009 06:52:00 EDT

'I really feel connected to him, just like the world does,' O says of the late pop star.
By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Matt Elias

Omarion
Photo: Arnold Turner/ Getty Images

As "Michael Jackson's This Is It" documentary gets closer to its October 28 theatrical release date, finally giving fans a chance to see how the King of Pop's last days unfolded, artists whose careers have been influence by MJ have been speaking out about him and their excitement about the film. Ne-Yo said he'll be one of the first in line to catch a screening, while Justin Timberlake is looking forward to the most intimate portrait yet of the fallen icon. Now former B2K frontman Omarion has aired his thoughts on "This Is It" to MTV News, admitting that while he plans to see the doc, it remains a "touchy subject" for him.

"[Jackson] did not just inspire everything that I do, but I really feel connected to him, just like the world does," O explained. "And from an artist's standpoint, these are the things that I have to ask myself, like, 'Why did everyone draw to him the way that they drew to him? Why did everyone feel the way that I feel about him?' And I mean, like, not 10,000 people or 100,000 people. I mean, like, 10 million — millions and millions." Omarion recalled the first time he saw MJ in concert. He couldn't remember the exact time period, but the impression the show left on him was unforgettable. "My mom took me because my mom was a fan, and I had this big Michael Jackson T-shirt on, and we were in, like, super, super-high nosebleeds, but I felt him all the way in the nosebleeds section," he said. So while Jackson's passing — and the film that follows the singer as he prepped for his London comeback concerts — remains sensitive territory for O, he's certain he'll be finding his way to a theater to take in the action. "I'm definitely going to check out the film," he said. "It's sad that he's gone, but I'm definitely going to carry it on for him." Don't miss "Michael Jackson's This Is It" Premiere Special, airing on MTV and VH1 on Tuesday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET! "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens in a limited engagement on October 27 and and wide on October 28. Check out everything we've got on "Michael Jackson's This Is It."

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Omarion Says 'It's Gonna Be My Time' This Fall

02 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EDT

Singer explains why he's releasing Ollusion without the help of Lil Wayne.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Photo: Jason Merritt/ FilmMagic

There's a reason Omarion named his upcoming album Ollusion. "Everything is based on perception, and I'm a testament of perception," O explained to MTV News. "All the moves I made, things might look a certain way, and they may be at times, but they might not. You always got to dig deeper and ask the questions." And one of those questions might be: What exactly happened between O and Lil Wayne? In August, the Cash Money superstar announced on a California stage that the former B2K frontman was signed to Young Money. Then, less than a week later, the union fell through, and Wayne affiliate Mack Maine tweeted that Omarion was no longer a part of the team. The marriage seemed almost as short as Britney Spears' to Jason Alexander. "When we were in the process of making the deal and the signing part, I wanna say it was roughly six to seven months, or maybe even a little longer," Omarion revealed. "To most people I know it seems like, 'Well, that was fast.' [Laughs.] I totally get it. "Truthfully, though, I just really saw Wayne's position, and I respected him as a businessman in building the entity he wants to build," he continued. "My idea when we were getting together was that we were coming into more of a partnership. But I'm a leader, and he's a leader. When I thought about it and I really looked at the history of artists that do what I do, they're never under the umbrella of a crew." So, Omarion moved on and swapped out the "Lollipop" MC for Gucci Mane on his single "I Get It In." (He dismisses the rumor that he leaked the song and dropped from Young Money as a result.) O says he was fortunate to be able to pick up another talented rapper to maintain the track's vibe. "Before Wayne became Wayne, the streets really felt him; that's how he did a million his first week," O said. "And Gucci is the next one [to follow that path], and I was just a fan too." The track is the first offering from Ollusion, due November 24 on Omarion's own StarWorld Entertainment. He's set to shoot the video for the single later this month, along with the follow-up, "Hoodie" featuring Jay Rock. The 25-year-old is hoping that the visuals, along with the new music, will help re-introduce him to a public that hasn't heard much from him in four years. "I really took out time this go around to get a lot of knowledge — and not just in ... the game, but as man," Omarion said. "Being in the entertainment business as long as I have and making that transition to a man is a really hard thing. "I can't wait to showcase what I been working on and show why I call myself the king of dance," he added. "I wanna show people my work. Everybody has their time, and right now, I just feel like it's gonna be my time."

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Omarion's New LP, Ollusion, Due November 24

24 Sep 2009 16:24:00 EDT

After leaving Lil Wayne's Young Money, O heads to EMI to create his own imprint.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Omarion
Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage

After hitching his wagon to Timbaland and later to Lil Wayne, Omarion has decided to venture out on his own with a new imprint deal through EMI Label Services. The former B2K frontman announced Thursday (September 24) that he signed a new deal with EMI to create his own imprint StarWorld Entertainment. Through the pact, the Los Angeles native will release his next project, Ollusion, due November 24. Just last month, Omarion united forces with Lil Wayne and joined the rapper's Young Money roster. However, shortly after the news broke, the singer mysteriously parted ways with the camp. "I have a lot of respect and admiration for the genius of Lil Wayne and the entire Young Money family," he said in a statement. "I asked to be released from the label to pursue other opportunities that were recently presented to me. Because of our relationship, Lil Wayne had no issue with us ending our business relationship and released me from the label." Prior to linking with Lil Wayne, O partnered with Timbaland in 2008, but the union didn't result in any material being released through the producer's Mosley Music Group. Omarion will now ready his third solo album, which will feature collaborations from Tank, Fabolous and Gucci Mane on the first single, "I Get It In," set to debut October 5. "My style has evolved so much on this album," Omarion said in a statement. "I was able to express truly who I am from a creative and artistic standpoint, which allowed me to share a personal side of myself with my fans through my music. This is my masterpiece, and I can't wait for the world to hear my new album."

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Omarion Has 'Nothing But Love' For Lil Wayne, Despite Leaving Young Money

21 Aug 2009 13:02:00 EDT

Singer left Wayne's Young Money label earlier this week.
By Shaheem Reid

Omarion
Photo: Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images

Omarion released an official statement on Friday (August 21) regarding his parting of ways with Lil Wayne's Young Money label earlier this week. The statement reiterates the singer's Twitter post on Wednesday, dispelling rumors that he'd been dropped. "I have a lot of respect and admiration for the genius of Lil Wayne and the entire Young Money family," he said. "I asked to be released from the label to pursue other opportunities that were recently presented to me. Because of our relationship, Lil Wayne had no issue with us ending our business relationship and released me from the label. Lil Wayne and I have nothing but love for each other, there is no beef. I also wanted to make it clear that my company nor did I, leak the song, 'I Get It In,' and I want to dispel any rumors that have surfaced. I appreciate my relationship with Young Money/ Cash Money and look forward to doing business in the future. "There will be a major announcement regarding my career and my new album, Ollusion, coming next week," the statement promises. Young Money member Mack Maine broke the news of Omarion's departure on his Twitter page Wednesday night, writing, "ATTN: Omarion is no longer Young Money ... the song they leaked featuring Wayne is not official ... Good luck to him in his future endeavors." Omarion has not released an album since 2007's Face Off duet with Bow Wow. The former B2K member was released from his contract with Sony music, and in 2008, there was talk of him signing to Timbaland's Mosely Music Group. Except for a few songs that leaked to the Internet, nothing transpired from that collaboration.

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Omarion Parts Ways With Young Money

20 Aug 2009 18:04:00 EDT

'Business is business,' O tweeted about asking to be released from Lil Wayne's label.
By Shaheem Reid

Photo: Brian Ach/ WireImage

Omarion's stint on Lil Wayne's Young Money Records was almost as short as a Usain Bolt 100-meter dash. Last week, Lil Wayne introduced the fan-favorite performer during a California stop of Young Money Presents: The America's Most Wanted Music Festival. Wayne said Omarion was on his burgeoning label — which also includes Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga — and the singer seemed excited to be down with the crew. He even moonwalked to Michael Jackson music onstage. On Wednesday, a record called "I Get It In" featuring Wayne and O hit the Net, and the machine seemed to be rolling smoothly. The euphoria hit the breaks abruptly, however. Later that night, Wayne's trusted crew member Mack Maine hit Twitter and wrote that O was off the label and the song with Wayne was a leak and not official. Mack did wish Omarion good luck. Rumors swirled that the star of hit singles such as "Ice Box" and "Touch" had been dropped because he leaked his song with Wayne. The former B2K member countered that rumor on Thursday (August 20), clarifying the matter on Twitter. "I didn't get dropped," he tweeted. "I wish Wayne and all of [Young Money] good luck for their future. There are no hard feelings, business is business." Omarion's rep said the singer was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, Cash Money and Young Money reps were traveling to a Denver tour date and were unable to be reached at press time. O's good friend Bow Wow was just signed to Cash Money earlier this week. The pair released a joint LP, Face Off, together in 2007.

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Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Others Shoot Video In Los Angeles

20 Aug 2009 13:39:00 EDT

Omarion, Monica, Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton also attended shoot.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Photo: Greg Tidwell/Pacific Coast News

Just one week before he's officially sentenced following the plea deal he struck in the Rihanna case, Chris Brown appeared at ease as he joined Keri Hilson in Los Angeles on the set of what is apparently Hilson's next video, "Slow Down." The pair were joined by plenty of musical company: Omarion, Monica, Polow Da Don and Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton were all also on set.




	Chris Brown's Hollywood Video Shoot

At press time, it was unclear what will the premise of the video will be. Chris Robinson is apparently helming the clip — the director spoke with Rap-Up.com earlier this week and confirmed he was in town to collaborate with Hilson. The director previously worked on Hilson's most recent video, for "Knock You Down." Representatives for Brown and Hilson were not available at press time to confirm details about the video. Brown was clad in Billionaire's Boys Club garb on set and once again sported his "Ooops" chain. The singer drew the attention of bloggers and fans alike when he wore the same pendant during Diddy and Ashton Kutcher's white party in Los Angeles over the 4th of July weekend. After Brown agreed to a plea deal following his February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna, he apologized to the public in a YouTube broadcast. Images from the set have popped up online, but they appear to have been taken during breaks or after production of the shoot. Brown is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom on August 27 to be formerly sentenced to community labor service, therapy sessions, and probation.

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Pretty Ricky's Spectacular Gets Spoofed In Online Parody Videos

04 Jun 2009 18:25:00 EDT

Singer gets -- and his red briefs -- get slammed in online videos.
By James Montgomery

Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images

At this point, Spectacular's red undies have to be the most iconic undergarments of 2009. We're talking, of course, about the cherry-red bikini briefs Pretty Ricky member Spectacular is wearing in his now infamous YouTube challenge to fellow pelvis-poppers Chris Brown and Omarion. You know, the one where he pirouettes, gives himself a full-body rubdown and then humps what appears to be a shower cap (or a belt)? The one that Spec claims was expressly made "for the ladies," even though it was also intended to be watched by male R&B crooners? Yeah, that one. Anyway, back to those skimpy skivvies he's wearing in the video — seems they've become quite the cultural touchstone, inspiring a spate of online parodies over the past few days. Take, for example, the animated spoof created by the folks by Be Your Own Boss Entertainment. Currently burning up YouTube, the clip portrays the crooner as a rasping, highly flexible go-go dancer who smacks hamburger patties across his backside, air-humps furiously and displays a rather amazing level of flexibility, all while animated versions of Brown, Omarion and a host of Spec's contemporaries look on in horror. At the end of the video, Spectacular — wearing those red undies, of course — is seen on BET's "106 & Park," where after he's asked about the YouTube clip (and why, if it was for the ladies, he wanted other male R&B stars to watch it), he responds curtly, "I ain't gay." More cunning — and definitely cutting — was It'sTheReal's (which is basically like the hip-hop "SNL") take on the Spectacular video. In a clip they called "That's Spectacular!", they broke down Spec's every pelvic thrust and lip-licking, cracking jokes like, "If Ciara is more masculine than you: That's Spectacular!" and "If your tongue moves more than your career: That's Spectacular!" So just what does Spectacular himself have to say about all this? We haven't heard yet ... but for all we know, he could be readying another furniture-assaulting response video to his haters, like he the one he posted earlier this week. We can only hope ...

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