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Lady Gaga Naked in the Studio: Singer Strips Nude to Record New 'ARTPOP' Album

Posted on Aug 27th 2012 9:15AM by Kenneth Partridge
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Wally Santana, AP

In a revelation that invites a literal interpretation of those "Born This Way" lyrics, sources tell Britain's Sun newspaper that Lady Gaga has been working naked in the studio while recording her forthcoming third album, ARTPOP.

"Gaga has really taken to the idea of naked recording," an insider explains. "She has been recording vocals while she's been completely starkers. She thinks it makes her voice sound better."

Mother Monster has never been shy about stripping down and flaunting her body, so her au natural studio techniques aren't exactly surprising.

As for how going nude in the booth will affect the album -- an eagerly anticipated collection expected to drop early next year -- fans will have to keep their pants on and wait a few months to find out.

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

Katy Perry 'American Idol' Offer: Did Singer Turn Down $20 Million Deal?

Posted on Aug 25th 2012 11:10AM by Kenneth Partridge
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Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Much of this week's "American Idol" news has centered on Nicki Minaj, who's reportedly close to joining the cast, but according to TMZ, Katy Perry was also in the running for the second vacant judges spot. Producers wanted her so bad, TMZ claims, that they offered $20 million -- a staggering sum she actually turned down.

Had she not rejected the huge payday, Perry would have earned more than Mariah Carey, who's slated to make $18 million for the upcoming season. At first, "Idol" honchos offered to match Carey's salary, a source tells TMZ, but after the "California Gurl" played hard to get, they upped the ante. Still, it wasn't enough.

Scheduling was part of the problem, as Perry is constantly on the go, but more than that, TMZ reports, she "didn't think it was the right career choice for her."

'Idol' mainstay Randy Jackson has yet to announce whether he'll return as a judge or switch to a mentoring role, but if he stays put, it might make for a four-person panel. As numerous sites have reported, country star Keith Urban is also on the verge of signing a deal, though he'd make far less than Mariah. Urban is said to be looking at $3 or $4 million, while Minaj would get $8 million -- possibly to compensate her multiple personalities.

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Filed under: Rumor Mill, Hot Off the Press

Justin Timberlake Selling NYC Penthouse for $7.65 Million

Posted on Aug 22nd 2012 5:40PM by Kenneth Partridge
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Charles Sykes, AP

In the market for luxury property in downtown Manhattan? Justin Timberlake might have just the place for you. As UsMagazine.com reports, Timberlake is selling his penthouse in the Soho Mews, a posh downtown building with wrap terraces and killer views of the New York City skyline. JT, who's soon to marry Jessica Biel, is asking $7.65 million for the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath bachelor bad, which he bought for $6.56 million in 2010.

What does $7.65 million get you, other than the ability to tell friends you own Mr. Sexyback's former abode? A whole bunch of stuff rich people are about, evidently. The master bath comes complete with a radiant-heat floor, oval tub and glass-enclosed shower, Us reports, while the kitchen includes "cabinetry made of striated elm and smoked glass," Jet Mist granite and Miele ovens.

The entire apartment is outfitted with first-rate fixtures, which isn't surprising, since in addition to being a singer, dancer and actor, Timberlake is something of a design and architecture buff. Earlier this year, he and Estee Stanley, his longtime interior designer, teamed up for a line of products on HomeMint.com.

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

Mariah Carey 'Triumphant (Get 'Em)' Video: Rick Ross, Meek Mill Join Diva in the Ring

Posted on Aug 21st 2012 6:11PM by Kenneth Partridge
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mariah carey triumphant get em videoVevo.com

As reported by The BoomBox, there are a number of ways Mariah Carey could have gone with her new Nick Cannon-directed video for "Triumphant (Get 'Em)." But Mimi went literal, enlisting guest rappers Rick Ross and Meek Mill for a boxing fantasy befitting of the song's chorus: "Stay on your toes/ Get off the ropes/ Don't let them ever count you out."

It's hard to argue with the casting. Rozay plays the flamboyant promoter-manager -- a sort of Don King character, complete with fur coat -- while Carey slips into slinky dresses for her role as ringside eye candy. Mill stars as the fighter, swinging away with Rocky-esque determination.

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Filed under: New Videos, Hot Off the Press

Mariah Carey to Quit 'American Idol' Should Nicki Minaj Join the Cast?

Posted on Aug 21st 2012 9:45AM by Kenneth Partridge
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Abdeljalil Bounhar, AP

"American Idol" bosses better think long and hard before they sign Nicki Minaj as a judge. According to TMZ, doing so might cost them Mariah Carey, who evidently joined the cast after being promised that she would be the only female on the panel.

A furious Mariah reportedly hung up the phone when she was told Minaj is a top candidate for the second vacant judging spot, and TMZ suggests she'll quit the show should the "Starships" rapper come on board.

All the hubbub could be premature, since Nicki has yet to officially sign anything. Still, rumors of her nearing a contract come at a time of great uncertainty for 'Idol,' as OG panelist Randy Jackson has yet to announce whether he'll return as a judge or transition to a mentoring role.

Coupled with Minaj's arrival, Jackson's departure would make for two female judges. Fox execs aren't exactly thrilled by that idea, TMZ reports, and as rumors swirl that Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Enrique Iglesias are being considered as possible replacements for Jackson, some sources suggest two males might be needed to balance the gender scales.

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Filed under: Rumor Mill, Hot Off the Press

Madonna Calls Pussy Riot Sentence 'Too Harsh' and 'Inhumane,' Asks Russia to Set Female Punks Free

Posted on Aug 19th 2012 1:30PM by Kenneth Partridge
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WireImage | AP

Madonna isn't finished stirring up trouble in Russia. In an official statement, the rabble-rousing pop star has decried the two-year prison sentences handed down Friday to members of Pussy Riot, the female punk group accused of committing "hooliganism" in a February demonstration against President Vladimir Putin.

"I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40-second performance extolling their political opinions," said Madonna, who first voiced her support for the band during a Moscow concert last week.

"Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane," she continued. "I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They've spent enough time in jail. I call on all of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free."

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press

Beyonce, World Humanitarian Day: Singer Unveils 'I Was Here' Video, Urges Fans to 'Do Something Good'

Posted on Aug 19th 2012 8:50AM by Kenneth Partridge
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Evan Agostini, AP

As reported at The BoomBox: Today is World Humanitarian Day, and that means two things. First, there's a new Beyonce video -- a live performance of "I Was Here" filmed earlier this month at the U.N. General Assembly. Bey dazzles in a form-fitting white dress, singing over footage of relief efforts around the globe, but she'd rather we not focus on the moving clip.

This is a day for action, and the R&B superstar is urging fans to step away from their computers and go do some good in the world.

To that end, she's partnered with the U.N. to launch a new Thunderclap website -- one aimed at sending "the biggest social media message in history." That message, as per the official blurb: "From major international humanitarian operations to handing out food to the homeless, however big or small, let's show the world that we believe in helping others."

Beyonce and company are hoping to reach 1 billion people, and the website features an interactive map that allows visitors to "place a pin" at the scenes of their good deeds and share the details of their efforts.

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press
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