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Josh Hutcherson Recalls ‘Insane’ ‘Hunger Games’ Fan Experience

Actor who plays Peeta also tells MTV News he’s ready to ‘dive full-force’ into the next ‘Hunger Games’ movie.
By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Josh Horowitz





Josh Hutcherson at the “Hunger Games” premiere

Photo: Getty Images

With great power comes great responsibility, and Peter Parker isn’t the only guy who knows this: It’s a philosophy that on-the-rise actor Josh Hutcherson knows all too well, as the former “Amazing Spider-Man” contender steps into the coveted role of District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games,” out in theaters on March 23.

As the baker’s son, Hutcherson plays one of the three key leads in Lionsgate’s surefire blockbuster based on author Suzanne Collins’ original novels, and one of the two young men vying for the affections of leading lady Katniss Everdeen. It’s been a surreal journey for Hutcherson to be sure — and though the actor is no stranger to surreal journeys, even he has to admit that the full-fledged “Hunger Games” fan experience has been nothing short of breathtaking.

“We’ve seen some insane signs [across fan tours],” Hutcherson told MTV News about his interactions with “Hunger Games” fans so far. ” ‘Is that a loaf of bread in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?’ Funny stuff along those lines. Very original. One just said, ‘I will do unspeakable things.’ I thought that was very interesting … and mildly terrifying!”

The words “mildly terrifying” don’t even come close to describing the events of “The Hunger Games.” Prior to the world premiere in Los Angeles, Hutcherson had already seen the thrilling film “once, by myself, alone on a couch in a dark room.” Following that lonely viewing, Hutcherson said seeing the movie with 5,000 fans would be “quite the experience,” especially considering his love for the character of Peeta.

“I’m so excited. I love Peeta so much,” said the actor. “I think that over the course of the next couple of books, he has so many interesting places to go to, character-wise. I’m ready to dive full-force into it. When I saw the movie actually, it got me energized. ‘Let’s go get some cameras! Let’s go shoot the second one right now!’ ”

Indeed, Hutcherson only has one “Hunger Games” movie under his belt, but he already has his sights set on the future. Asked which Peeta scene he’s most excited to film, he answered: “For me, in the third book, when Peeta gets brainwashed by the Capitol, that’s going to be fun to play. The rest of the time he’s very much into Katniss, and for that to get turned around and to play it the other way, that’s going to be very exciting.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “Hunger Games.”

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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Does Britney Spears Have ‘The X Factor’?

MTV News takes a look at the pros and cons of bringing Spears onboard as a judge for the reality singing competition.

By John Mitchell

<P>The news that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is reportedly in final negotiations to <a href="/news/articles/1680782/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-offer.jhtml">join "The X Factor"</a> has set the <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com">MTV Newsroom</a> on fire. Opinion on whether the pop star is a good fit for the reality singing competition has been sharply divided, so we decided to take on the topic the way we're sure Simon Cowell did before making Spears a reported $10 million offer: a good, old-fashioned pros and cons list.
</P><P>
</P><P><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:698603/cp~vid%3D698603%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A698603" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed>
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Pro: She'll attract viewers</b></big><br>
</P><P>The <a href="/news/articles/1671220/x-factor-simon-cowell-ratings.jhtml">debut season of "The X Factor"</a> performed well below expectations. Its heavily hyped premiere pulled in 12.1 million total viewers and a meager 4.4/12 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic. That's about half of what the 2011 season of "American Idol" averaged ("Idol" is having its own ratings woes this season), and it didn't even win the night: Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers and a 6.0/15 for its season premiere.
</P><P>
</P><P>The poor ratings precipitated the overhaul that saw judges <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> and host Steve Jones fired from the show.
</P><P>
</P><P>There's no question that Spears would bring viewers to "The X Factor." She enjoys a large and devout fanbase who will basically follow her just about anywhere. And beyond her own fans, Spears' celebrity would also likely draw attention from the general public, who will tune in simply to see how she does.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b> Con: She's become nervous on camera </b></big><br>
</P><P>
</P><P>Though she can still wow a crowd live in concert, as evidenced by last year's successful tour behind her hit album <i>Femme Fatale,</i> Spears has become increasingly tentative during interviews. She rarely grants on-camera sit-downs, and when she does, she seems nervous and uncomfortable.
</P><P>
</P><P>To be a strong judge or mentor on a reality show, you have to be <i>very</i> comfortable on camera. Part of what made Jennifer Lopez click last season on "Idol" was that she came across as confident, direct and often empathetic. She even broke down in tears after <a href="/news/articles/1658584/americaon-idol-top-24.jhtml">sending home contestant Chris Medina</a>, whose fiancée suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. The key word here is <i>after.</i> It's hard to imagine Spears being able to keep it together and deliver such difficult news in similar circumstances.
</P><P>It's worth noting that a high-drama situation arose on the first season of "The X Factor" — one that left <a href="/news/articles/1675936/x-factor-rachel-crow-elimination-reaction.jhtml">contestant Rachel Crow sobbing</a> onstage and Scherzinger a wreck … a wreck who received <a href="http://www.thefablife.com/2011-12-05/paula-abdul-and-nicole-scherzinger-receive-death-threats-after-the-x-factor-elimination/" target="_blank">death threats</a>. Producers should also consider whether it's wise to send Spears, who has dealt with emotional issues in the past, into a genre that thrives when the emotional stakes are high.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Pro: she is a contemporary artist</b></big><br>
</P><P>One of the things we like most about <a href="/news/articles/1680496/the-voice-battle-rounds.jhtml">"The Voice"</a> is that its judges — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — are all active artists. They are all still hitting the studio to make hit records, and that lends a great deal of credibility to their opinions when they critique a contestant's performance. We don't mean to slight Abdul or Scherzinger, but you could argue that a legacy singer who hasn't released an album in over 17 years and a performer who has had a difficult time getting her own solo singing career off the ground aren't the best judges of who does and does not have "The X Factor."
</P><P>
</P><P>On the other hand, Spears may be. <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/britney-spears-femme-fatale-reviews/">Last year's <i>Femme Fatale</i></a> gave Spears three top-10 singles — the most of any of her seven albums — and earned some of the best reviews of her career. While it's true that she did not write or produce much of the record, she was most certainly involved in picking her collaborators, which actually could speak well of her ability to know talent when she sees it. Spears also smartly chose red-hot rapper Nicki Minaj to open on the North American leg of her tour.
</P><P>
</P><P>When it comes to the contemporary pop music scene, Spears knows what works.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Con: She's not known for her singing</b></big><br>
</P><P>Unlike Aguilera, whose talent as a vocalist is indisputable, Spears is not known for her singing. By signing her to judge and mentor a singing competition, "X Factor" producers are setting themselves up for inevitable criticism. "Who is Britney Spears to judge a singing competition?" critics will scream (and they won't be wrong).
</P><P>
</P><P>When Aguilera critiques a performer's vocals, she speaks with authority — and her ear for singing proved to make her the most discerning judge on the "Voice" panel during the <a href="/news/articles/1679565/the-voice-christina-aguilera-jonathas-usher.jhtml">blind auditions</a>. Spears' judging style will likely be based on liking what's already there, but she's not going to have much insight on missed notes or pitch, which will cripple her ability to further mentor her team. How can she help them improve as vocalists when it's a truth universally acknowledged that she's not really a vocalist herself?
</P><P>
</P><P><i>Do you think Britney Spears is a good choice for "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>

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Usher, Lil Wayne Mark Justin Bieber’s Birthday

‘Happy birthday, slime. You in the club,’ Weezy tells Biebs in birthday video compiled by MTV News.

By Rob Markman

<P>When it's your 18th birthday, you'll probably get well wishes from mom, dad, and, if you're lucky, your teenage crush. But when you're <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>, you get shouts from Usher, Lil Wayne and Sean Kingston. Be jealous!
</P><P>
</P><P>On Thursday (March 1), the Biebs turned 18 years old, and his most famous friends hooked up with MTV News to celebrate <a href="/news/articles/1680191/justin-bieber-birthday-fan-questions.jhtml">Bieber's birthday</a>. "I hope that you are around all of your loved ones and having a good time. This is from big bro, from the heart," Usher said in a video piece compiled by MTV News for the Biebs.
</P><P>
</P><P><div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:744682/cp~id%3D1680192%26vid%3D744682%26instance%3Dmtv%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A744682" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div>
</P><P>
</P><P>The <i>Confessions</i> singer initially signed Justin along with his manager Scooter Braun, and he has since become a mentor to the pop star. So of course the 33-year-old Usher had to impart some b-day wisdom on his young homey. "Eighteen will give you an opportunity to do a little bit, not all, so we got a few more years before you can go all the way," he said, acknowledging the three years until JB turns 21 and is allowed to legally drink in the U.S. "Maybe I might even be able to sneak you into a club. Anyway dawg, happy birthday. I love you."
</P><P>
</P><P>Comedian Kevin Hart isn't buying all of Justin's birthday hype, though. "Whatever Justin Bieber is supposed to be doing at 18, he was doing at 15," he joked after sending his well wish.
</P><P>
</P><P>Platinum hitmakers RedFoo, B.o.B, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida all helped MTV News celebrate the occasion. Even <a href="/news/articles/1678337/justin-bieber-lil-wayne-studio-visit.jhtml">Lil Wayne, who was with Bieber</a> in the studio in February, sent a special message. "Happy Birthday, slime, the big one-eight. You in the club, slime," Weezy said, standing beside Young Money's Lil Chuckee.
</P><P>
</P><P>As far as birthday presents go, it's anybody's guess what his buddies will actually get Bieber. But Robin Thicke bypassed tradition and instead hit up the "Never Say Never" singer for a loan. "Send me some money, Justin. You got way too much," he said, laughing.
</P><P>
</P><P>But what do you get the young man who has everything? Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words. "Thank you to all the people that made the video," Bieber told MTV News. "It really brought a smile to my face."
</P><P>
</P><P><i>Leave your own birthday message for Justin Bieber in our comments section!</i>
</P><P>
</P><P><b>Happy 18th birthday, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>! Now that we've counted down the superstar's <a href="/news/articles/1680195/justin-bieber-18th-birthday-top-moment.jhtml">18 greatest moments</a>, stick with MTV News as we celebrate the milestone all day.</b></p>

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N.W.A Movie Progressing At ‘High Speed,’ Ice Cube Says

’21 Jump Street’ star tells MTV News, ‘We’re waiting to hire a director and then bring it all home.’
By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz





Ice Cube

Photo: MTV News

In addition to his comedic work in “21 Jump Street,” Ice Cube has been busy behind the camera, attempting to put two passion projects together as a producer.

In recent months, rumors have swirled about a fourth “Friday” movie and a biopic on the members of N.W.A. When MTV News’ Josh Horowitz sat down with the rapper-turned-actor and producer, Cube offered an update on the latter.

Addressing rumors that his “Boyz n the Hood” director, John Singleton, could possibly helm the project based on the rap group, Ice Cube basically said that he couldn’t say. “We’re interviewing a lot of directors. I don’t want to say ‘ye’ or ‘nay,’ but we’re interviewing directors,” he said. “So, the movie’s in progress in this high speed, and it’s coming along. Hopefully, we get it done.”

The director remains the biggest missing piece of the puzzle, as Ice Cube confirmed that the script is where it needs to be for the flick to move forward. “I’m happy with the script. The script is about 75 percent there. We’re waiting to hire a director and then bring it all home,” he said. “It’s always stumbling blocks in Hollywood. There are always ways that the movie can not get made. Until they green-light the picture, start cutting checks, it’s still just a dream.”

The most prevalent rumor around casting the film has been that the members’ sons will play their fathers. Cube said he wouldn’t have a problem with his son playing him, but he wants a traditional casting process first.

“That’s a dream come true, but we’re going to find the best actor to do the job. That’s the thing about movies: You have got to find the best people to do the role,” he said. “It is going to be a role that I think is right for unknowns, people who you haven’t seen before. I think that’s the best way to pull this off.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Musical March Madness Returns!

Prepare yourself for the music event of the decade – MTV News’ Musical March Madness! The world’s best bands will duke it out for ultimate rock supremacy. Will your favorite band be crowned the winner? It’s up to YOU.

By

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Usher, Lil Wayne Mark Justin Bieber’s Birthday

‘Happy birthday, slime. You in the club,’ Weezy tells Biebs in birthday video compiled by MTV News.

By Rob Markman

<P>When it's your 18th birthday, you'll probably get well wishes from mom, dad, and, if you're lucky, your teenage crush. But when you're <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>, you get shouts from Usher, Lil Wayne and Sean Kingston. Be jealous!
</P><P>
</P><P>On Thursday (March 1), the Biebs turned 18 years old, and his most famous friends hooked up with MTV News to celebrate <a href="/news/articles/1680191/justin-bieber-birthday-fan-questions.jhtml">Bieber's birthday</a>. "I hope that you are around all of your loved ones and having a good time. This is from big bro, from the heart," Usher said in a video piece compiled by MTV News for the Biebs.
</P><P>
</P><P><div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:744682/cp~id%3D1680192%26vid%3D744682%26instance%3Dmtv%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A744682" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div>
</P><P>
</P><P>The <i>Confessions</i> singer initially signed Justin along with his manager Scooter Braun, and he has since become a mentor to the pop star. So of course the 33-year-old Usher had to impart some b-day wisdom on his young homey. "Eighteen will give you an opportunity to do a little bit, not all, so we got a few more years before you can go all the way," he said, acknowledging the three years until JB turns 21 and is allowed to legally drink in the U.S. "Maybe I might even be able to sneak you into a club. Anyway dawg, happy birthday. I love you."
</P><P>
</P><P>Comedian Kevin Hart isn't buying all of Justin's birthday hype, though. "Whatever Justin Bieber is supposed to be doing at 18, he was doing at 15," he joked after sending his well wish.
</P><P>
</P><P>Platinum hitmakers RedFoo, B.o.B, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida all helped MTV News celebrate the occasion. Even <a href="/news/articles/1678337/justin-bieber-lil-wayne-studio-visit.jhtml">Lil Wayne, who was with Bieber</a> in the studio in February, sent a special message. "Happy Birthday, slime, the big one-eight. You in the club, slime," Weezy said, standing beside Young Money's Lil Chuckee.
</P><P>
</P><P>As far as birthday presents go, it's anybody's guess what his buddies will actually get Bieber. But Robin Thicke bypassed tradition and instead hit up the "Never Say Never" singer for a loan. "Send me some money, Justin. You got way too much," he said, laughing.
</P><P>
</P><P>But what do you get the young man who has everything? Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words. "Thank you to all the people that made the video," Bieber told MTV News. "It really brought a smile to my face."
</P><P>
</P><P><i>Leave your own birthday message for Justin Bieber in our comments section!</i>
</P><P>
</P><P><b>Happy 18th birthday, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>! Now that we've counted down the superstar's <a href="/news/articles/1680195/justin-bieber-18th-birthday-top-moment.jhtml">18 greatest moments</a>, stick with MTV News as we celebrate the milestone all day.</b></p>

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‘Cabin In The Woods’ Cast Talks ‘Thrilling’ Death Scenes

At South by Southwest film festival, star Jesse Williams says Joss Whedon’s horror flick is ‘both awesome and terrifying at the same time.’
By Kara Warner





Anna Hutchison and Jesse Williams

Photo: MTV News

What’s a horror movie without a few sensational death scenes? One that could be described as less-than-satisfactory by the gung ho gore fans out there. And although there is a lot of secrecy surrounding the action in “The Cabin in the Woods,” it is not spoiling anything to say that there might be a gory death or two.

When MTV News caught up with castmembers Anna Hutchison, Jesse Williams and Kristen Connolly at the film’s South by Southwest film festival press day, we asked them to describe how the deaths in the Joss Whedon-penned, Drew Goddard-directed film are different from what we’ve seen onscreen before.

“I think people get connected to the characters, but somehow I find the murders in this film are more thrilling,” Williams said. “You know the train wreck effect where you want to look away — something that is both awesome and terrifying at the same time?

“Like, one time I almost touched a shark in the open ocean. I didn’t realize it was a shark. ‘I’m excited, but I’m going to die.’ So, those kind of things happening at once. Anna knows what I’m talking about.”

“Well, lose a hand. I don’t know about die,” Hutchison offered. “It’s a bit dramatic.”

“She’s from New Zealand where it’s like playing in the yard for them: ‘Go play with the sharks!’ ” he teased. “I think it’s both those things happening at once where you’re uniquely thrilled, but you’re going to miss that character — but that’s not saying that any of us die or don’t die in the end.”

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Does Britney Spears Have ‘The X Factor’?

MTV News takes a look at the pros and cons of bringing Spears onboard as a judge for the reality singing competition.

By John Mitchell

<P>The news that <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml">Britney Spears</a> is reportedly in final negotiations to <a href="/news/articles/1680782/britney-spears-x-factor-judge-offer.jhtml">join "The X Factor"</a> has set the <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com">MTV Newsroom</a> on fire. Opinion on whether the pop star is a good fit for the reality singing competition has been sharply divided, so we decided to take on the topic the way we're sure Simon Cowell did before making Spears a reported $10 million offer: a good, old-fashioned pros and cons list.
</P><P>
</P><P><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:698603/cp~vid%3D698603%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A698603" width="460" height="260" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed>
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Pro: She'll attract viewers</b></big><br>
</P><P>The <a href="/news/articles/1671220/x-factor-simon-cowell-ratings.jhtml">debut season of "The X Factor"</a> performed well below expectations. Its heavily hyped premiere pulled in 12.1 million total viewers and a meager 4.4/12 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18 to 49 demographic. That's about half of what the 2011 season of "American Idol" averaged ("Idol" is having its own ratings woes this season), and it didn't even win the night: Emmy-winning sitcom "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers and a 6.0/15 for its season premiere.
</P><P>
</P><P>The poor ratings precipitated the overhaul that saw judges <a href="/news/articles/1678191/paula-abdul-exits-x-factor.jhtml">Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger</a> and host Steve Jones fired from the show.
</P><P>
</P><P>There's no question that Spears would bring viewers to "The X Factor." She enjoys a large and devout fanbase who will basically follow her just about anywhere. And beyond her own fans, Spears' celebrity would also likely draw attention from the general public, who will tune in simply to see how she does.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b> Con: She's become nervous on camera </b></big><br>
</P><P>
</P><P>Though she can still wow a crowd live in concert, as evidenced by last year's successful tour behind her hit album <i>Femme Fatale,</i> Spears has become increasingly tentative during interviews. She rarely grants on-camera sit-downs, and when she does, she seems nervous and uncomfortable.
</P><P>
</P><P>To be a strong judge or mentor on a reality show, you have to be <i>very</i> comfortable on camera. Part of what made Jennifer Lopez click last season on "Idol" was that she came across as confident, direct and often empathetic. She even broke down in tears after <a href="/news/articles/1658584/americaon-idol-top-24.jhtml">sending home contestant Chris Medina</a>, whose fiancée suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. The key word here is <i>after.</i> It's hard to imagine Spears being able to keep it together and deliver such difficult news in similar circumstances.
</P><P>It's worth noting that a high-drama situation arose on the first season of "The X Factor" — one that left <a href="/news/articles/1675936/x-factor-rachel-crow-elimination-reaction.jhtml">contestant Rachel Crow sobbing</a> onstage and Scherzinger a wreck … a wreck who received <a href="http://www.thefablife.com/2011-12-05/paula-abdul-and-nicole-scherzinger-receive-death-threats-after-the-x-factor-elimination/" target="_blank">death threats</a>. Producers should also consider whether it's wise to send Spears, who has dealt with emotional issues in the past, into a genre that thrives when the emotional stakes are high.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Pro: she is a contemporary artist</b></big><br>
</P><P>One of the things we like most about <a href="/news/articles/1680496/the-voice-battle-rounds.jhtml">"The Voice"</a> is that its judges — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — are all active artists. They are all still hitting the studio to make hit records, and that lends a great deal of credibility to their opinions when they critique a contestant's performance. We don't mean to slight Abdul or Scherzinger, but you could argue that a legacy singer who hasn't released an album in over 17 years and a performer who has had a difficult time getting her own solo singing career off the ground aren't the best judges of who does and does not have "The X Factor."
</P><P>
</P><P>On the other hand, Spears may be. <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/03/29/britney-spears-femme-fatale-reviews/">Last year's <i>Femme Fatale</i></a> gave Spears three top-10 singles — the most of any of her seven albums — and earned some of the best reviews of her career. While it's true that she did not write or produce much of the record, she was most certainly involved in picking her collaborators, which actually could speak well of her ability to know talent when she sees it. Spears also smartly chose red-hot rapper Nicki Minaj to open on the North American leg of her tour.
</P><P>
</P><P>When it comes to the contemporary pop music scene, Spears knows what works.
</P><P>
</P><P><big><b>Con: She's not known for her singing</b></big><br>
</P><P>Unlike Aguilera, whose talent as a vocalist is indisputable, Spears is not known for her singing. By signing her to judge and mentor a singing competition, "X Factor" producers are setting themselves up for inevitable criticism. "Who is Britney Spears to judge a singing competition?" critics will scream (and they won't be wrong).
</P><P>
</P><P>When Aguilera critiques a performer's vocals, she speaks with authority — and her ear for singing proved to make her the most discerning judge on the "Voice" panel during the <a href="/news/articles/1679565/the-voice-christina-aguilera-jonathas-usher.jhtml">blind auditions</a>. Spears' judging style will likely be based on liking what's already there, but she's not going to have much insight on missed notes or pitch, which will cripple her ability to further mentor her team. How can she help them improve as vocalists when it's a truth universally acknowledged that she's not really a vocalist herself?
</P><P>
</P><P><i>Do you think Britney Spears is a good choice for "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>

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Get Ready For Musical March Madness!

Prepare yourself for the music event of the decade – MTV News’ Musical March Madness! The world’s best bands will duke it out for ultimate rock supremacy. Will your favorite band be crowned the winner? It’s up to YOU.

By

Related Artists

Read the full article →

Get Ready For Musical March Madness!

Prepare yourself for the music event of the decade – MTV News’ Musical March Madness! The world’s best bands will duke it out for ultimate rock supremacy. Will your favorite band be crowned the winner? It’s up to YOU.

By

Related Artists

Read the full article →

Usher, Lil Wayne Mark Justin Bieber’s Birthday

‘Happy birthday, slime. You in the club,’ Weezy tells Biebs in birthday video compiled by MTV News.

By Rob Markman

<P>When it's your 18th birthday, you'll probably get well wishes from mom, dad, and, if you're lucky, your teenage crush. But when you're <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>, you get shouts from Usher, Lil Wayne and Sean Kingston. Be jealous!
</P><P>
</P><P>On Thursday (March 1), the Biebs turned 18 years old, and his most famous friends hooked up with MTV News to celebrate <a href="/news/articles/1680191/justin-bieber-birthday-fan-questions.jhtml">Bieber's birthday</a>. "I hope that you are around all of your loved ones and having a good time. This is from big bro, from the heart," Usher said in a video piece compiled by MTV News for the Biebs.
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</P><P><div style="background-color:#000000;width:428px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><iframe src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:744682/cp~id%3D1680192%26vid%3D744682%26instance%3Dmtv%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A744682" width="420" height="236" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></div>
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</P><P>The <i>Confessions</i> singer initially signed Justin along with his manager Scooter Braun, and he has since become a mentor to the pop star. So of course the 33-year-old Usher had to impart some b-day wisdom on his young homey. "Eighteen will give you an opportunity to do a little bit, not all, so we got a few more years before you can go all the way," he said, acknowledging the three years until JB turns 21 and is allowed to legally drink in the U.S. "Maybe I might even be able to sneak you into a club. Anyway dawg, happy birthday. I love you."
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</P><P>Comedian Kevin Hart isn't buying all of Justin's birthday hype, though. "Whatever Justin Bieber is supposed to be doing at 18, he was doing at 15," he joked after sending his well wish.
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</P><P>Platinum hitmakers RedFoo, B.o.B, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida all helped MTV News celebrate the occasion. Even <a href="/news/articles/1678337/justin-bieber-lil-wayne-studio-visit.jhtml">Lil Wayne, who was with Bieber</a> in the studio in February, sent a special message. "Happy Birthday, slime, the big one-eight. You in the club, slime," Weezy said, standing beside Young Money's Lil Chuckee.
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</P><P>As far as birthday presents go, it's anybody's guess what his buddies will actually get Bieber. But Robin Thicke bypassed tradition and instead hit up the "Never Say Never" singer for a loan. "Send me some money, Justin. You got way too much," he said, laughing.
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</P><P>But what do you get the young man who has everything? Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words. "Thank you to all the people that made the video," Bieber told MTV News. "It really brought a smile to my face."
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</P><P><i>Leave your own birthday message for Justin Bieber in our comments section!</i>
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</P><P><b>Happy 18th birthday, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/bieber_justin/artist.jhtml">Justin Bieber</a>! Now that we've counted down the superstar's <a href="/news/articles/1680195/justin-bieber-18th-birthday-top-moment.jhtml">18 greatest moments</a>, stick with MTV News as we celebrate the milestone all day.</b></p>

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‘Hunger Games’ Red-Carpet Premiere To Stream Live On MTV.com!

On Monday, March 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET, MTV News will talk to the film’s stars live from the Los Angeles premiere.
By John Mitchell





“Hunger Games” stars Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson

Photo: Getty Images

From exclusive interviews with the cast to the latest breaking news, MTV News has been your go-to source for all things “Hunger Games,” and now we will be taking you to the red carpet for the hotly anticipated film’s March 12 premiere.

On Monday, March 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET, MTV.com will be streaming live with host Josh Horowitz from the red-carpet premiere of “The Hunger Games” outside of Los Angeles’ famed Nokia Theatre. Josh will be talking to all of your favorite “Hunger Games” stars, from Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth to Elizabeth Banks, Wes Bentley and Woody Harrelson (and everyone in between).

Throughout the show, Josh will be joined by MTV News’ Christina Garibaldi and Down With the Capitol fan-site editor Arianna Ruiz for expert fashion and fan commentary. Fans will also be treated to never-before-seen interviews with the cast and the film’s director, four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross.

You can even get in on all the action live via Twitter by using the @mtvnews handle and hashtag #askhg to get your burning “Hunger Games” questions answered.

Set in a dystopian world in the country of Panem, where North America once existed, “The Hunger Games” is the story of Katniss Everdeen, who is chosen as a “Tribute” to represent District 12 in the annual Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games is a nationally televised event in which Tributes — one teenage boy and girl chosen from each of the country’s 12 districts — must fight one another until only one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly trained Tributes who have prepared for the Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy.
If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Lionsgate will release the film on March 23, 2012. Before then, MTV News has a ton of “Hunger Games” content for you to check out. We have full interviews with Lawrence, Hutcherson and several other castmembers, commentary on the film’s trailers and the latest breaking news on one of the year’s biggest films. And don’t miss our MTV First with Taylor Swift, where she discusses her contribution to the “Hunger Games” soundtrack, “Safe & Sound.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Ke$ha Out For Vengeance In Musical March Madness

‘I’m getting ready as we speak,’ she tells MTV News of this year’s tournament, tipping off Monday.
By James Montgomery





Ke$ha

Photo: Getty Images

Last year, based mainly on her attitude, the fact that she plays an AK-47 shaped guitar and the presence of photos like this, Ke$ha was given an 11 seed in MTV’s Musical March Madness tournament — and promptly lost by a huge margin to U2 in the opening round.

Of course, she’s spent the past 12 months fuming over that early exit, and now, she’s going to get her shot at redemption. Not only is Ke$ha back in the 2012 MMM tournament — which kicks off Monday — but she’s beefed up her rock credentials: working with the likes of Alice Cooper, channeling the “sexiness” of ’70s rock on her new album, recording a (genuinely pretty great) cover of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” and spending time snorting Tums with Wayne Coyne.

So, yeah, this year, she’s ready to knock off the field of 63 other acts gunning for the MMM trophy — a brimming bracket that includes defending champions Green Day, upstarts Fun. and good pals the Black Keys, to name just a few — and reign supreme. But just in case all that rock-and-roll prep work isn’t enough to put her over the top, well, Ke$ha has another secret weapon at the ready: an incredibly toned pelvic floor.

“I’m getting ready as we speak. I’m doing Kegels,” she told MTV News, while throwing phantom punches at an unsuspecting cameraman. “Vote for me!”

MTV’s 2012 Musical March Madness tournament begins Monday, March 12, when we’ll unveil the full field of 64 bands that will battle for this year’s championship. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act made the cut, it will be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM — but get ready, it’s gonna be a war.

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