Rihanna

Rihanna Turns Grammy Stage Into A Rave, With Coldplay Assist

12 Feb 2012 22:18:08 EST

Rihanna and Coldplay perform 'Princess of China' for the first time on TV.
By John Mitchell

Rihanna perform at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Sprawled out on the floor under a red light and accompanied at first by just a piano, Rihanna hit the stage at the 54th Grammy Awards for a dance-heavy take on her massive #1 hit "We Found Love."

The performance kicked off like a scene straight out of the thematically dark video for the track, with the Barbadian pop star leaning against a wall looking troubled under dark lighting with only a piano playing alongside her as she sang the track like a torch ballad. Looking gorgeous — and giving off a Tina Turner vibe — Rihanna rocked the blond locks she introduced recently, wearing a tight, belly-baring ensemble. The laser lights, LED screens and synths kicked up soon enough, though, and Rihanna welcomed dancers to the stage and lit into a high-energy performance of the dance smash that kept with the feel of the song, devolving into a full-on rave, with the pop star front and center. Like many other performers and presenters at the show, Rihanna took a moment to honor the late Whitney Houston, demanding the audience, "Make some noise for Whitney!" Soon, the tempo backed down and the dancers departed, leaving Rihanna onstage with just Chris Martin strumming an acoustic guitar. The pair then started into the televised debut of their Mylo Xyloto collaboration "Princess of China." "Her bit on our record is my favorite bit. When the song came out, it sort of asked for her to be on it," Chris Martin told MTV News of the pop princess' involvement last fall. "And I think at this point, we have nothing to lose, and so we've been trying some new things and trying to break down the perceived boundaries between different types of music." Coldplay finished things up on an upbeat not with their song "Paradise." Stick with MTV News all for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion, Grammy winners and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!

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Whitney Houston Mourned By Mariah Carey, Rihanna

11 Feb 2012 22:22:51 EST

'Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time,' Nicki Minaj tweets of late icon.
By James Dinh

Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
Photo: Timothy A. Clary/ AFP/ Getty Images

Just a day before the 54th annual Grammys, the music industry suffered a major loss as one of the greatest voices of all time, Whitney Houston, was found dead Saturday night (February 11). Shocking fans, former collaborators and everybody in between, stars like Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Diddy have taken to Twitter to mourn the late icon.

Mariah Carey, also known for her beautiful voice, took to the social media site to share her memory of the singer/actress. "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston," Carey wrote. "My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."

My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world.
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) February 12, 2012

Rihanna was speechless upon hearing the news about the star's death, simply writing, "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney." Quoting a line from Houston's massive 1992 hit "I Will Always Love You," Kim Kardashian shared her love for the singer. "Just heard the tragic news that Whitney Houston passed away. I pray for her daughter & loved ones. We will always love you Whitney...," she tweeted. Houston's death hit Nicki Minaj pretty hard, with the Young Money songstress writing, "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time," as well as tweeting a vintage photo of the late singer alongside Michael Jackson. Calling Houston's death "such a loss," Jennifer Lopez was another celeb to remember the superstar singer. "One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney," she said. Diddy admitted his disbelief about the the industry's loss, saying, "Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can't believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever..." Toni Braxton confessed her influence from the late-singer. "My heart is weeping...RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!!" Toni Braxton wrote. "Such an incredible influence over music as a whole! She's paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble...1 the best in the world." Christina Aguilera, also a big-voiced diva, took to Twitter to share her memory of the singer, confessing that "we have lost another legend." "Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed," she added. Usher also chimed in, writing, "R.I.P Whitney Houston... A true icon of our time. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to the family in their time of distress. URIV." Immediately after the news was announced, Houston's legacy appeared all over Twitter's trending topic list as #DearWhitney, #IWillAlwaysLove you, Waiting to Exhale amongst others trends taking over the top 10 list. Join us for a tribute to Whitney Houston with non-stop music videos on MTV Hits and MTV Jams, all day Sunday. Share your condolences with Whitney's family and friends on our Facebook page.

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Grammy Rehearsals: Rihanna, Katy Perry Sit Front Row

10 Feb 2012 16:30:51 EST

From seating-chart plotting to all-star sound checks, we take you behind the scenes at Grammy run-throughs.
By James Montgomery

Adam Levine rehearsing for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Photo: Rick Diamond/ WireImage

LOS ANGELES — Everywhere you turn inside Staples Center, there are people (and things) in motion: Set pieces are being noisily constructed (and just as noisily deconstructed), lights are raised to the ceiling, focused, then lowered again, cameras on cranes swoop in and nearly scrape the stage, walkie-talkies crackle, security guards shift their weight from one foot to the other, musicians scramble down hallways, techs assemble drum kits and tune guitars, directors shout instructions and stare intently at their clipboards. If there's a method to all this madness, it is not readily apparent. Mostly, you just try to stay out of the way. It's all in preparation for Sunday's 54th Grammy Awards, of course, and if everything goes according to plan, you probably won't even notice the intricate details (camera movements, presenter cues, etc.) that were rehearsed time and time again or think twice about just how they get all those massive video screens to work in perfect synchronization. The goal is to make these things all appear to be seamless, effortless, nearly invisible. Which is why, in the days leading up to the big show, the Staples Center is one continuously buzzing hive of activity.

Onstage, Foster the People, Maroon 5 and the recently reunited Beach Boys are working out the kinks for their Sunday-night performance, which, at the moment, include monitor malfunctions, a de-tuned organ and a wayward timpani drum. Maroon frontman Adam Levine stands stage left, fiddling with his in-ear and humming his harmonies over and over again. At one point, a stagehand saves him from being smashed by a gigantic LED screen, which is being lowered directly above his head. Stage right, Mark Foster has his arms crossed, a gigantic smile creased across his face, marveling at the sheer spectacle of the thing. Eventually, after an army of producers and techs have crisscrossed the stage, the Beach Boys amble up, take their places and, without a moment of rehearsal, positively nail the wide-screen harmonies of "Good Vibrations." Levine can't help but laugh at the display, and as the song lilts along, he mimes the crashing timpani drums and mouths the chorus. Of course, the action onstage is only part of the production (though it is a part that truly never ends; LL Cool J and Nicki Minaj are set to rehearse Friday (February 10), and there are rumors that both Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen will share the stage at some point too). While instruments are tuned and harmonies perfected, an army of production assistants are busy plotting the Grammy seating chart — a bit of well-planned politicking that's nearly as important to the attendees as actually winning a gilded gramophone. Seatmates are meticulously plotted by producers, and how close you sit to the stage itself (and who you're sitting with) is a pretty good representation of just how much clout you've got. Which means that, on Sunday, the front row will be populated by Katy Perry, Rihanna and Fergie. Heavily-favored Adele will sit in row two, next to Bruce Springsteen. Taylor Swift shares a row with Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga is seated next to Miranda Lambert, Bon Iver is across the aisle from R. Kelly (imagine the possibilities!), and Chris Brown will rub elbows with the indomitable Diana Ross. Of course, all of this could change — these are just the rehearsals after all. And as the countdown to the big show continues, there's still a whole lot of rehearsing to do. Even after the show goes live, that constant blur of motion inside Staples is likely to continue unabated. This is music's biggest night, after all. Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our Grammy red-carpet live stream this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion, Grammy winners and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!

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Drake And Rihanna Take Care Video Coming Soon

10 Feb 2012 15:56:19 EST

Duo shot much-anticipated clip in Los Angeles, director Yohann Lemoine confirms.
By Tomika L. Anderson

Drake
Photo: John Shearer/ Getty Images

Be on the lookout for that long-awaited video from Rihanna and Drake.

While there's still no official release date for the clip for the emotionally revealing "Take Care," the title track off Drake's sophomore album, video director Yoann Lemoine assures fans it has been shot ... and it's on the way. "I just shot Drake & Rihanna's 'Take Care,' video," he tweeted early Friday (February 10). "Beautiful track, amazing artists. EDITING NOW!" As further proof that a vid for the dreamy track was under way, the director tweeted a picture of the three of them on the Los Angeles set. Rih and the Young Money star apparently shot the video while in town for the 2012 Grammys on Sunday. The result will be Rihanna and Drake's first video collaboration since "What's My Name." Lemoine's previous credits include Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," Taylor Swift's "Back to December" and Lana Del Rey's tiger-featuring "Born to Die" clip. Drizzy — who's gearing up to present at Sunday's awards show — is up for Best Rap Performance for "Moment 4 Life," with Nicki Minaj, while Rihanna is up for Album of the Year for Loud. Meanwhile, Rih is slated to perform with Coldplay on the big night.

Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off!

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10 Feb 2012 14:29:00 EST

Lady Gaga
Photo: Getty Images

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Rihanna, Chris Brown Return To The Grammys: Three Years Later

09 Feb 2012 17:11:56 EST

With the once-troubled exes poised to return to Sunday's show, we look back on the assault that changed everything.
By Rebecca Thomas

Rihanna performs at the 2011 Grammys
Photo: Getty Images

They were R&B's answer to Britney and Justin. Young, gifted and famous, Rihanna and Chris Brown had become a favorite of the blogs and mags in 2008; pictures of them coupled up on the beach or just making a fast food run cropped up everywhere. Rihanna once remarked that Brown helped her to feel her age in a very grown-up industry. But everything changed on the night of February 7, 2009. Brown's assault on girlfriend Rihanna would change the career trajectories of both, catapulting one to superstardom and launching the other on an unlikely comeback trail. Three years later, with the two stars poised to return to the Grammy stage, MTV News looks back.

February 7, 2009: Rihanna hits the stage at a pre-Grammy party hosted by producer Timbaland in Los Angeles. The Bajan stunner performs her smash "Umbrella," among other tunes. Earlier that night, she's snapped looking cheerful with boyfriend Chris Brown at music honcho Clive Davis' annual Grammy bash. February 8, 2009: Reports surface that Brown and a female passenger was involved in a car accident. E! News confirms that neither Rihanna nor Brown will appear at the Grammy Awards ceremony that night; both were scheduled to perform. The Los Angeles Police Department begin investigating a felony battery report against the Virginia crooner. February 19, 2009: TMZ posts a gruesome photo of Rihanna taken by LAPD just after the February assault. The image of the singer — bruised, eyes swollen and mouth split — confirms what had been rumor up until then. Then-19-year-old Brown becomes the subject of public outrage. The backlash is only beginning, though, as radio stations across the country announce bans on Brown's music. June 22, 2009: Brown has been mostly quiet, on the advice, he says, of his representatives. In May, Vibe publishes a cover story, "Tainted Love," delving into how the young couple unraveled. It's a more nuanced portrait that describes both Brown's and Rihanna's upbringings in households rife with domestic violence. It's also announced that Brown will strike a plea deal giving him 180 days of community service. The same month, the "Forever" singer uploads a video apology to the Web: "I've told Rihanna countless times and I'm telling you today, I'm truly, truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better," he pleads. September 2, 2009: Brown tapes an interview with CNN's "Larry King Live." Accompanied by his attorney, the singer — seldom off-pitch onstage — struggles to strike the right chord. But even his unfortunate choice of neckwear comes under scrutiny. November 6, 2009: Rihanna sits down for a "20/20" special, detailing for anchor Diane Sawyer her assault at the hands of Brown. November 9, 2009: Rihanna tells MTV's Sway she doesn't want to be the "domestic-violence spokesperson." November 20, 2009: Rihanna drops the dark and introspective Rated R, sporting a razor-cut, tough-girl 'do on the album cover that sparks a frenzy of its own in Stateside hair salons. The LP is widely received as a rumination on her tragic relationship with Brown. May 17, 2010: Unofficially on ice with his label, Jive, Brown joins with homey and YMCMB rapper Tyga for the Fan of a Fan mixtape. The project yields slow-burning smash singles like "Deuces" and "No Bullsh--." February 10, 2011: Two years after the assault, the "Russian Roulette" singer agrees to loosen a restraining order against Brown. Breezy also earns high marks for progress from the judge in his ongoing probation case. November 12, 2011: Red-tressed Rihanna drops Loud, and the Grammy-nominated album is a sunny departure from the brooding R. That month she and Brown also take to their respective Twitter accounts and signal in a series of posts that they're ready to move on from the assault. March 22, 2011: Livid over questions about his relationship with ex Rihanna, Brown smashes a chair in an ABC green room after a "Good Morning America" interview. The outburst threatens to overshadow what will be a highly successful release, the F.A.M.E album. 2011: It's a year of triumphs for the former duo: From awards to VMA performances, Grammy nods and critical acclaim, the Rihanna Navy and Team Breezy rally behind their idols. January 19, 2012: After the blogosphere lights up with rumors that Rih and Brown are hooking up again, a rep for Brown denies the two have reunited, insisting the superstar exes are "just friends." Brown's representative also confirms he won't be doing any press this year. February 8, 2012: Recording Academy announces that Brown will perform at Sunday's show; Rihanna has been confirmed for a collabo with rockers Coldplay. The revelation sets up the potential for a public reunion. Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss Sway and James Montgomery live from the Grammys red carpet this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered until the Grammy hangover wears off!

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Will Katy Perry Or Rihanna 'Pop' At The Grammys?

09 Feb 2012 16:35:11 EST

Lady Gaga and Adele also up for two major pop trophies at Sunday's show.
By Jocelyn Vena

Katy Perry in her video for "Firework"
Photo: EMI

The pop stars nominated at this year's Grammy Awards couldn't be more different from one another, both visually and sonically. In the two biggest pop categories, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance, every spectrum of pop is represented: from soulful to candy-colored and everything in between.

As the Grammy Awards approach, MTV News will break down the contenders in both categories. So, here we go. Best Pop Vocal Album
Adele's 21 has six nominations under its belt at this year's show, including the biggie, Album of the Year. Since its release nearly a year ago, Adele's heartbreak opus reigned on radio, the charts and the collective hearts of the lovelorn everywhere. It boasts production from Ryan Tedder, Paul Epworth and Rick Rubin, and tracks the singer's heartbreak after a split from a former beau. Cee Lo Green gave the world a big "F--- You" with his The Lady Killer, which dropped in November 2010, and the album has sustained its momentum thanks to that one track (and Cee Lo's "The Voice" gig). The album got some songwriting and production help from fellow nominee, Bruno Mars, and in addition to this nod, its track "Fool for You" is also up for some gold. Lady Gaga's love-yourself album, Born This Way, is a metal-disco composition about romance, New York City and couture. With production from RedOne, Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow, the album was released last May, and while the sound looked to the future, it also paid homage to her past when she enlisted the late Clarence Clemons from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and Brian May of Queen. Bruno Mars crooned his way to the top of the charts with his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Displaying his love for melodies and lyrics about love and loss, Mars' experiment in mixing doo-wop and new millennium production value managed to make him a household name and a big-time nominee. Album of the Year-nominated Loud was Rihanna's return to form. After a dark turn on Rated R, Ri was feeling sunnier, saucier and sassier on the 2010 album that featured production from Stargate and Tricky Stewart and tracks like the fist-pumping "Only Girl (In The World)" and the reggae-influenced "Man Down." Best Pop Solo Performance
On "Someone Like You," Adele's big voice and knack for heartache was on full display. The second 21 single got a songwriting and production assist from Semisonic frontman Dan Wilson (the guy who gave us "Closing Time" in the '90s) and follows Adele as she comes to terms with the loss of her former flame.

Like Adele, Bruno Mars put his heart and soul on the line on the Doo-Wops & Hooligans uber-ballad, "Grenade." The song, produced by the Mars-fronted the Smeezingtons, tracks a distraught man as he realizes the woman he loves doesn't feel the same way about him. Lady Gaga had been teasing "You and I" for some time, but before the finished version appeared on Born This Way, no one could have guessed what May, Gaga and super producer Mutt Lange could have cooked up. What they released was a funky, smashing ode to reclaiming lost love. Katy Perry hadn't touched on deeper issues on earlier singles, but when it came to her Teenage Dream feel-good anthem, "Firework," she went there and it took on a life of its own. With Ester Dean and Stargate working with Perry on the song, it topped the charts and became the fourth in a record-breaking string of #1 hits off that album. Like Perry, Pink gave a voice to the disenfranchised on "F---in' Perfect" (off her greatest hits collection that dropped in 2010). Working with Max Martin and Shellback on the track, she hit the top of the charts and empowered her fans thanks lyrics like, "You're f---ing perfect to me." Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our Grammy red-carpet live stream this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion, Grammy winners and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!

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2012 Grammy Winners Revealed ... Possibly

08 Feb 2012 06:53:15 EST

We take a look at both the 'actual' and 'bizarro' Grammys (and try to pick some winners) in Bigger Than The Sound.
By James Montgomery

Adele
Photo: Getty Images

Last year, when the Arcade Fire shocked everybody (especially Dog the Bounty Hunter) by winning Album of the Year at the Grammys, it set in motion a chain of events that culminated in one rather troubling realization: Perhaps everything has changed.

I say troubling because, really, the Grammys have never been cool (and there is something like five decades of empirical evidence to back up that claim), and voters bestowing the night's top award on an indie act — instead of Eminem, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, each of whom were also nominated — was a hip, hip move. So it stood to reason that, if one of the stuffiest of award shows could get with the times, then perhaps everyone could. Perhaps the Arcade Fire's AOTY win fractured the space-time continuum itself, sort of like on "Lost," when Benjamin Linus turned that wheel and the island started skipping through time and there were actually two islands, one existing in current time and one that was stuck in the 1970s, and that old woman had a pendulum and Jack ended up detonating a hydrogen bomb with a rock or something ("Lost" definitely got confusing for a while there). What I am trying to say is that it is not entirely inconceivable that, post Arcade Fire, there now exist two Grammy Awards: the one where Led Zeppelin has zero wins (but Sheryl Crow has nine) and the one where cool bands take home the biggest awards. You know, the actual Grammys versus the bizarro Grammys. It's an insane theory, yes, and yet, it is also (sort of) backed up by this year's Grammy nominations. In actuality — given she had one of the best-selling albums of the past decade and almost single-handedly saved the industry in 2011 — Adele is not only one of the night's most-nominated artists, but she'll probably end up walking away with the most golden gramophones, too. In fantasy, Bon Iver stuns the Dog the Bounty Hunters of the world and takes home three-quarters of the "Big Four" awards. In the grand cosmic scheme of things, I suppose either is probable. Shoot, at the very least, the theory makes the Grammys a lot more interesting ... and impossible to predict. Still, I'm going to try my best. So here are my theoretical picks for the 54th Grammy Awards, where I've weighed the actual against the bizarro in a misguided attempt to predict just who will triumph in the night's biggest categories. Hey, it's better than just saying "Adele is gonna win everything." Even though she probably will. It is just a theory, after all. Album of the Year
» Adele, 21
» Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
» Lady Gaga, Born This Way
» Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans
» Rihanna, Loud "Actual" Grammys: Dude, come on, Adele wins this one by a mile. "Bizarro" Grammys: The most bizarro winner would probably be Rihanna, who's not exactly celebrated as an "album artist," or maybe Bruno Mars, though, thanks to "F--- You" (much-nominated at last-year's Grammys) and his string of hits this year, he seems to be a favorite among voters. Continuum-Uniting Winner: Remember in 2009, when Taylor Swift's Fearless won AOTY and everyone got all upset? Well, it was the year's best-selling album, too, and at the time, Swift was credited with keeping a sinking industry afloat. Adele's 21 has sold nearly as many copies as Fearless ... and has done so in less than a year. So, uh, yeah, she'll win this. Record of the Year
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Bon Iver, "Holocene"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Mumford & Sons, "The Cave"
» Katy Perry, "Firework" "Actual" Grammys: It's Adele's to lose, though she may face a tough challenge from Mumford & Sons, who not only landed nominations last year, but had 2011's best-selling rock album based mainly on the strength of "The Cave." Still, a win by them here would be an upset in every sense of the word. "Bizarro" Grammys: Got to be "Holocene," which on the surface, doesn't stand much of a chance. Still, I can't shake the feeling that Bon Iver wins something on Sunday, and so, much like I (sort of) predicted Arcade Fire's Album of the Year win last year ... Continuum-Uniting Winner: ... I'm going with the bearded dude from Wisconsin. Look, voters aren't going to give Adele everything, most likely because they don't want to deal with the backlash. There's also the Arcade Fire momentum from last year, not to mention the fact that since this award goes to not only the artist, but the producer, recording engineer and mixer, too, it tends to go to classically constructed tunes (Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," Alison Krauss' and Robert Plant's "Please Read the Letter") as opposed to songs with massive commercial appeal. So I'm taking "Holocene" for the upset. Song of the Year
» Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
» Bon Iver, "Holocene"
» Bruno Mars, "Grenade"
» Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie, "All of the Lights"
» Mumford & Sons, "The Cave" "Actual" Grammys: Again, Adele. "Bizarro" Grammys: "Holocene," though how amazing would it be if "All of the Lights" actually won here? Would Kanye even let anyone else talk during his acceptance speech? Continuum-Uniting Winner: "Rolling in the Deep." It was 2011's biggest song, and one look at previous SOTY winners — massive hits like "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," "Rehab," "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" — well, you can see which way this one tends to go. Best New Artist
» The Band Perry
» Bon Iver
» J. Cole
» Nicki Minaj
» Skrillex "Actual" Grammys: Adele. Oh, wait, this is the only category she's not nominated in (though she did win it in 2009). OK, well, then how about the Band Perry? They're a country act, and over the past decade, when nominated, country acts tend to win BNA (Shelby Lynne in 2001, Carrie Underwood in 2007, the Zac Brown Band in 2010). Oh, and it doesn't hurt that their "If I Die Young" was a certified crossover smash, either. "Bizarro" Grammys: It actually wouldn't be all that odd if Bon Iver wins here (since, even though I picked him to take Song of the Year, there's a pretty good shot this is the "Big Four" award he wins), so, can I interest you in some Skrillex? Continuum-Uniting Winner: Barbz rejoice, I'm taking Nicki Minaj! Why? Well, after a massive year, she was ignored everywhere else in the "Big Four," so a BNA win would be a nice olive branch extended by Grammy voters. Also, no hip-hop artist (male or female) has won this award since Lauryn Hill in 1999, and how bizarro is that?!? So fittingly, Best New Artist is hers. Make your predictions for the Grammy Awards in the comments section below!

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Rihanna, Calvin Harris, More Teaming Up For Charity Concert

31 Jan 2012 17:44:05 EST

'We Found Love' collaborators set to share bill with deadmau5 and Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia on February 12 in L.A.
By Jocelyn Vena

Rihanna
Photo: Getty Images

Rihanna will not only be taking the stage with Coldplay at the Grammy Awards on February 12, she'll also join a number of A-list EDM talent for a charity event set to go down the same day. The singer, along with deadmau5, Calvin Harris and Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia will perform at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, with all proceeds from the show going to the Children's Orthopaedic Center and an artist's program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Tickets for the charity show go on sale this week for $1000. (More information on ticket sales and the charities is available on its official Live Nation page.) February 12 is shaping up to be quite the busy day for a number of the artists slated to perform at the charity concert. Rihanna is up for a handful of Grammy Awards including Record of the Year for 2010's Loud. Grammy-nominated deadmau5 is also up for a number of awards, including Best Dance Recording for his album Raise Your Weapon. Meanwhile, Harris, who produced Rih's chart-topping Talk That Talk single "We Found Love," will join his collaborator at the House of Blues. " 'We Found Love' is the most successful thing I've done ever," Harris told MTV News recently. "It's not strictly a song by me, obviously, it's by Rihanna. She sings it. "It was great to work with her," Harris continued. "No one could have taken it as far as she did. You can't escape it here [in America]. I've heard it a lot. I've heard it probably more times today than I did when I was mixing it, which is a good thing."

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Justin Bieber, Rihanna Nab NRJ Awards

30 Jan 2012 11:29:20 EST

Adele, LMFAO also take home prizes at the French music awards show over the weekend.
By Jocelyn Vena

Justin Bieber at the NRJ Music Awards
Photo: WireImage

With awards season in full gear, a number of the music industry's biggest names headed out to Palais des Festivals on the French Riviera in Cannes for the NRJ Awards. Adele, Rihanna and Justin Bieber all walked away with trophies.

Adele won two awards, taking home International Revelation of the Year and International Song of the Year for "Someone Like You." LMFAO also walked away with two prizes: Music Video of the Year for "Party Rock Anthem" as well as International Group/Duo of the Year. The guys performed the song at the show along with their party track "Sexy and I Know It." Rihanna won International Female Artist and later took to Twitter to thank everyone for the recognition. "Thank you NRJ and my #FRENCHNavy and all the fans who voted, for your immense support!" she wrote. "I love you always #InternationalFemaleOftheYearNRJ." Shakira won the NRJ Award of Honor, and Bieber took home the male version of the award. The teen star took the stage in his baby blue printed jacket and black jeans, telling the room, "I'm just really excited to be here. I want to thank all my fans for being so amazing. I want to do another French song. I did one French song but I want to do some more French and hopefully perfect. My grandma's first language is French." He later tweeted, "I never thought i would ever get out of stratford and now im celebrating in france. never gets old. ALWAYS grateful! #Ilovemyfans" Other winners included Francophone (French) Revelation of the Year for Keen V and Francophone Male Artist of the Year for M. Pokora. Mika won the International Male Artist of the Year while Shy'm took it home for Francophone Female Artist of the Year. Francophone Song of the Year went to "A Nos Actes Manqués" performed by M Pokora. Simple Plan and Marie-Mai nabbed Francophone Group/Duo of the Year while Mylène Farmer won NRJ Award of Diamond. What do you think of this awards season so far? Leave your comments below!

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