Facebook.com/RihannaRihanna fans have been hearing about her big-screen debut Battleship for months now, but this weekend, they'll finally get to see what all the fuss is about. In other words, the Rihanna Navy -- as she calls her fans -- will see Ri-Ri in the Navy, portraying Petty Officer Raikes, a weapons specialist, in the big-budget sci-fi action thriller.
Rihanna may be tough, and even have a gun tattooed on her body, but that didn't mean she was a gun expert or that she knew what it was like to be in the military. That's why she prepared for the role by training with a real-life U.S. soldier -- and she trained hard. "He really ripped me apart," says Rihanna. "The training, the drilling, the gun training...he didn't want me to make a fool of myself or a make a fool of the Navy. He wanted me to make sure it looked like I knew what I was doing."
Also helping Ri-Ri get in character? The presence of Jackie Carrizosa,the sailor who served as technical adviser for Rihanna's character, teaching the singer weapons handling, military lingo and even how to stand properly. Praising Carrizosa as "bad-ass chick," Rihanna says, "I watched her. I had her in my trailer all day long. I listened to the same music she listens to, and I really just lived and breathed in her mindset, and tried to really get into her character." The singer notes, "I was playing what she really does in real life."
As for what attracted Rihanna to this type of role, she says she wanted something on the opposite end of the spectrum from who she is in real life. "It was a moment for me to be someone completely different from what people are used to seeing of me," she explains. "That's what was exciting to me -- for people to really respect me as an actress and look at me as Raikes and not Rihanna in the film."
Battleship, based on the children's board game, is a sci-fi action thriller about a battle between an alien race known as The Regents -- who come to Earth to establish a power source in our ocean -- and an international naval fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor. The film hits theaters Friday, May 18.
Amy Graves/WireImage for Full Picture -- Los Angeles When Bobby Brown debuted a new song titled "Don't Let Me Die" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Wednesday night, some media outlets assumed it was a tribute to his late ex-wife, WhitneyHouston.
The reports highlighted certain lyrics, including, "I didn't realize that every breath I took was from you, you were my air." Bobby also sang, "I guess I [messed] up pretty bad, I didn't know who you were, I didn't know what we had, now I'm stuck living in the past, trying to get the pieces back, but I guess now you're gone."
However, Bobby's rep denies to E! News that the song refers to Whitney. The song reportedly was written before Whitney died in February.
SMS AudioFans of 50 Cent were concerned when the rapper tweeted that he was in the hospital. Those supporters may have a change of heart, though, when they hear that a source tells People magazine that Fif's so-called medical emergency was a publicity stunt to drum up attention for his new mixtape.
50 caused a stir when he posted a photo of himself bed-bound, on Wednesday, writing, "I'm in the hospital but my gangsta grillz LOST TAPE is done so it will be out on time." The next day, DJ Drama, who helped Fif put together his TheLost Tapes effort, confirmed to XXL magazine that Fif had been hospitalized, saying that the rapper was dealing with a stomach virus.
Fans might have been expecting to hear worse, especially after Fif tweeted his pal Floyd Mayweather, writing, "I don't want to go into surgery." It's unclear whether surgery was ever necessary though, as Drama assured XXL that 50 wasn't dealing with anything "serious."
People tried to get down to the bottom of the matter, but a rep for 50 reportedly had no comment.
Whatever the case, 50 tweeted on Thursday morning that he was "feeling better," and by later that evening he was out of the hospital and fielding questions about The Lost Tape mixtape via UStream.
Mark Davis/GettyMary J. Blige stars as gentlemen's club owner Justice Charlier in the upcoming film adaptation of Rock of Ages. The movie doesn't hit theaters until June 15, but a new music video borrowing footage from the film, shows Mary using her powerhouse vocals to cheer on her employees with a rendition of Journey's 1980 rock smash, "Any Way You Want It."
Mary's cover will appear on the new Rock of Ages soundtrack, which also features Mary singing classic rock hits including Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" alongside Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough and a few other of Mary's Rock of Ages cast members.
The Rock of Ages soundtrack is out now, and the music video featuring Mary's on-screen performance of "Any Way You Want It," debuted on Vevo.com earlier this week.
Photo by FilmMagic.com/FilmMagicRumor has it that Rihanna has set her sights on yet another guy. This time, folks are saying that Rih's turned her attention to New York Knicks baller J.R. Smith.
That's according to In Touch Weekly, which just over a week ago had reported that Rihanna was sauntering along the beach with Oakland Raiders football star Darren McFadden. TMZ shot down those reports though, reporting that Rihanna actually bought drinks for McFadden and his girlfriend, when they bumped into each other in Hawaii.
McFadden's old news, apparently, with In Touch now reporting that Rihanna's been spending time with Knicks player J.R. The magazine reports that the singer and basketball player were just spotted at New York City nightclub Veranda earlier this month.
"They were very flirty in the club all night and holding hands," a source tells In Touch. "She was sitting on his lap and was really into him"
J.R., who some might label a bad boy, garnered attention back in March when he was fined by the NBA for tweeting a photo of a thong-wearing woman in bed. The tweet has since been deleted, but J.R. identified the woman in the photo as video vixen Tahiry, who is Joe Budden's former flame.
ABC/Ida Mae AstuteAlicia Keys will present Stevie Wonder with the prestigious Icon Award at this Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards, airing on ABC at 8 p.m. In addition, Alicia will join the legendary musician on stage for a special tribute performance.
This won't be the first time that Stevie and Alicia have shared a stage. They sang together at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards and presented together at the Grammy Awards in 2006. Earlier this year, they both performed at Whitney Houston's funeral.
Meanwhile, Whoopi Goldberg, Charlie Sheen and Zooey Deschanel have been added to the show as presenters, joining a list that already includes Robin Thicke, Brandy, Monica, Miley Cyrus, Gladys Knight, Taio Cruz, Natasha Bedingfield, Jeremy Sisto and Julianne Hough. Performers include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown and Usher, as well as Jordin Sparks and John Legend participating in a tribute to Whitney Houston.
PR NEWSWIREMary Mary's latest album, Go Get It, debuts at #1 on the Billboard gospel album chart. Erica and Tina Campbell's disc, which includes two brand-new singles along with remixes of past Mary Mary hits, also lands at #3 on the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart.
Dubbed as a soundtrack for Erica and Tina's WE tv reality series Mary Mary, Go Get It makes its mark on the Billboard charts just as the duo celebrate news that their show has been renewed for a second season.
More announcements are on the horizon, with Tina and her husband Teddy Campbell expecting their fifth child in August. In July, Mary Mary will be honored at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Plans for a Mary Mary tour are also in the works.
Facebook.com/DonnaSummerStars took to Twitter on Thursday with their reaction to news that Donna Summer died on Wednesday after a bout with cancer at age 63.
Mary J. Blige was among those who paid tribute to the Queen of Disco, writing, "RIP Donna Summer!!!!!!!!!.... You were truly a game changer!!!"
Questlove, who tweeted this week about the death of The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, also remembered Summer. "Donna Summer. Man I can't believe this--- like 'My Baby Understands' was on my workout playlist this morning! This MORNING! God...I just...," Quest wrote, before adding, "Man...I know that the whole 'disco sucks' stuff left a bad taste in the mouths of some. But Summer's work was really a credible legacy."
Songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox tweeted, "RIP Donna Summer. We're losing our legends at an alarming rate."
CeCe Winans, who earlier this year said goodbye to her close friend Whitney Houston, tweeted about Donna. "Send prayers up for Donna Summer's family She was a awesome Woman beautiful inside and out!!"
Rihanna simply tweeted, "Donna Summer?" and someone replied, "Sadly, yes," which she retweeted.
Donna's influence touched artists of virtually every generation and genre, with Solange Knowles, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, guitarist Tom Morello and Hayley Williams of rock band Paramore among those who tweeted about her passing.
Here's what those artists and others had to say:
Solange Knowles: "Donna Summer- You have inspired me in so many ways....."
Hayley Williams, who retweeted a link to video of Summer doing a live performance of her song "On the Radio," wrote, "rest in peace Donna Summer."
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine): Rip Donna Summer. Thanks for the all time great disco jams.
Billy Ray Cyrus: R I P #Donna Summer LEGEND !!! Your music will live forever.
Boyz II Men: "It’s unfortunate that we have to say goodbye to another amazing talent. Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, our condolences to her family!"
Keri Hilson: "I may be an 80's baby, but I LOVED the disco era. Donna Summer & Diana Ross were the inspiration for my 70's scene in Pretty Girl Rock vid!!"
Timbaland: this cant be tru ... i cant believe this RIP Donna Summer. at a lost 4words
Universal Music GroupCentric takes fans into the musical world of Melanie Fiona on an upcoming installment of As Written. The episode airs Sunday, and features one-on-one interviews with Mel, who dishes on her latest album, The MF Life, and songwriting, in general.
"From an artist's standpoint, I think my favorite song [from The MF Life] is 'Wrong Side of a Love Song,'" Melanie says in sneak peek of As Written. "We were in the studio, we had 30 minutes left in our session. I had a flight to catch. I went in the booth and I virtually freestyled the song... So what you hear is about like 85 percent freestyle."
Melanie, whose career took off with the release of "It Kills Me," also talks about being known for her heartwrenching hits. She says there's something to be said for how people have gravitated to her songs about heartbreak, but she adds that, "when people meet me, and they see me, you'll see that I'm not a negative, downtrodden woman. I own what I've been through, and I find strength in it."
As Written: Melanie Fiona premieres Sunday at 11 p.m. ET on Centric.
Disco and pop music icon Donna Summer has died, ABC News has confirmed. The singer passed away after a battle with cancer and died in Florida. She was 63 years old.
A statement from the family of Summer's husband, Bruce Sudano, reads: "Early this morning, surrounded by family, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."
The statement ends with a request to make a donation in Summer's name to the Salvation Army, in lieu of flowers.
Born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, Summer -- a five-time Grammy Award winner known as the Queen of Disco -- revolutionized dance music with her seminal hits "Love to Love You Baby" and "I Feel Love." Those tracks established her career and were followed by a string of hits, including "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff," "MacArthur Park," "Bad Girls" and "Dim All the Lights."
Summer continued her career into the '80s with hits like "She Works Hard for the Money" and "This Time I Know It's for Real." The first woman and the first African-American Artist ever to win a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, for "Hot Stuff," Summer was shortlisted for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but to date has never been inducted.
Summer's chart achievements and awards were numerous. She was the first artist ever to score three consecutive number-one double albums. She scored at least one Top 40 hit in every year from 1976 to 1984. Her presence on Billboard's Disco/Club Play chart spanned from 1975, with "Love to Love You Baby," through 2010, with "To Paris with Love."
In addition to her five Grammy Awards, Summer won six American Music Awards and was the first African-American woman to be nominated for an MTV Video Music Award, for "She Works Hard for the Money." She was honored twice by the Dance Music Hall of Fame; she herself was inducted as a recording artist, and her song "I Feel Love" was also inducted.
According to Billboard, Summer is survived by her husband, three daughters, and four grandchildren.
Nile Rodgers, founder of Chic and one of dance music's architects, tweeted, "For the last half hour or so I've been lying in my bed crying and stunned. Donna Summer RIP."
Summer was most recently seen performing with Seal in David Foster's 2010 PBS special Foster & Friends and on America's Got Talent, performing with former contestant Prince Poppycock.
Island Def JamThe-Dream has finally revealed when his long-awaited fourth studio album, Love IV MMXII, will arrive in stores. "August 14," Dream tweeted on Wednesday night, announcing the release date of the fourth installment in his Love album series.
"I will Leave no Holes in this Album Period, no room to be Hated only Adored or simply just say 'you don't f**k with me'..." Dream says, adding that in the end no one will be able to say that his latest effort "is Mediocre or Sucks."
Dream wrapped up Love IV MMXII earlier this year, and kicked off a 15-city tour to promote the disc. He closed out that roadtrip back in March.
HRM Records/International Arts MusicLately, DMX's name has appeared in headlines because of a run-in with the law or a tearful moment on the VH1 reality show Couples Therapy. But earlier this week all eyes were on X because he'd returned to the music world, releasing his free EP The Weigh In.
Asked what it felt like to be in the spotlight for his music, instead of personal drama, X tells MTV, "It's a good thing. I wish it was always like that but you can't really worry about what people think, what they say. I just gotta do me."
Anticipation for a new DMX album has been building ever since the rapper was released from an Arizona prison in July 2011. He's still working on a follow-up to 2009's Year of the Dog... Again, but says he wanted to give fans something to tide them over.
"Everywhere I go people are like, 'When's the album droppin'? When's the album droppin'?' So I was just like, lemme hit 'em with something, let them know, give them a little appetizer of what it's gonna be like," DMX says of The Weigh In. X says he's "sitting on like three albums right now," and plans to release his new studio album, Undisputed, this fall.
For now, DMX fans can downloadThe Weigh In. The set includes features from Snoop Dogg and Tyrese.
Facebook.com/NickiMinaJust when Nicki Minaj's Barbz thought that she'd be cozying up to her collaborator Chris Brown in the music video for "Right By My Side," Nicki flips the script and locks lips with her on-screen love interest, Nas.
Sure, Chris and Nicki get close in the clip, which premiered on Wednesday night. But mostly, the two just clown around, with Nicki spitting bars, and Chris delivering the song's hook. In the video for "Right By My Side," Nicki only has eyes for Nas, who like her, calls Queens, New York home.
The two enjoy a rap romance made in heaven in the clip, with Nas surprising Nicki with a car, and strolling alongside her during a shopping spree. The video culminates with the kiss that Nicki's fans can't seem to stop tweeting about. Asked by one Twitter follower whether she was nervous to pucker up to Nas, Nicki says she was. When another Twitter user commented that Nicki and Nas must have practiced their "perfect" kiss, Nicki replied, "Ummm. Yes. Yes we did."
Nas isn't the first big star that Nicki's smooched. Back in December, Madonna gave Nicki a peck on the lips in celebration of the YMCMB star's birthday.
Mary-Mary.comIf Erica and Tina Campbell's WE tv reality series Mary Mary reveals one thing about the duo, it's that the Grammy Award-winning sisters and singing partners don't always agree. The pair even had different answers when ABC News Radio asked whether they were curious about what viewers would have to say about an episode of Mary Mary last month in which Erica suggests that her sisters try out a very special workout class involving what some would recognize as a stripper pole.
Tina, who wouldn't take part in the so-called pole dancing lesson, says that ahead of the episode's airing, she didn't spend much time thinking about what people would have to say. Erica, however, says she looked forward to the "healthy conversation," that the non-traditional workout would spark.
Some viewers took to Twitter, YouTube and online forums to say that certain activities, like the pole dancing workout, should be off-limits for Christian singers, but Erica says the activity was all in fun. And though Tina opted not to join in the workout, she points out that, "For me, it was just about discretion," not a matter of right or wrong.
She adds that, "I know that no matter where we go, no matter what we do, if we're on personal space or professional space, people know Mary Mary and if I don't want to give them something to talk about, then I ain't gonna do that in front of you. Not that I find it to be a problem because everything is not wise to do openly."
On the other hand, Erica points out that the workout class brought up the topic of sexuality, a subject that she says is often overlooked amongst Christians, and needs to be discussed. "It's healthy," she says. "Just like everybody else, people have misconceptions and just don't understand [sexuality]. They're not OK with it."
The wife and mother of three, Erica, says, "A lot of women don't accept their own sexuality and I mean, I think it's a gift from God and I'm very happy with my gift that he gave me, so..." It's a statement of appreciation that both sisters agree on.
Mary Mary airs Thursday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern time on WE tv. Earlier this month, Erica and Tina announced that the show had been renewed for a second season.
Facebook.com/MariahCareyLast month, Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon jetted to Paris to renew their wedding vows and celebrate the first birthday of their twins Monroe and Moroccan. If your invitations to these events got lost in the mail, don't worry -- Mariah has now tweeted a link to a video of the festivities, along with the message, "Our Parisian family vacation was a mazing!"
The video chronicles the couple shopping, navigating a virtual wall of screaming paparazzi and fans, canoodling and visiting the Eiffel Tower, where they renewed their vows. It begins with shots of Mariah and Nick arriving at the Yves Saint Laurent boutique and shopping for what appears to be children's outfits, including a miniature pair of sneakers and leather jacket.
After the shopping, the couple is seen posing for photos inside their hotel near the Eiffel Tower, decked out in his-and-her cream evening ensembles. They are then seeing riding to the top of the Eiffel Tower in an elevator, as the City of Lights spreads out beneath them. The video closes with a still shot of Mariah and Nick's vow renewal announcement, dated April 28, and Mariah's hand poised to sign it.
Compared to that lavish trip, Mariah's Mother's Day celebration was positively ordinary. According to NJ.com, she and Nick visited the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in Jackson, New Jersey -- without the kids -- and later she shared a photo of the couple on a roller coaster.
ABC/Ida Mae AstuteThe final headliner for the upcoming Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival has been revealed, and its Alicia Keys.
She joins previously announced acts including Jill Scott and India.Arie for the music showcase, which kicks off on the Caribbean island of Curacao over Labor Day weekend, August 31-September 1.
Tickets for the festival are on sale now, and more information on the annual event can be found online.
Photo by Sandra Rose/Getty ImagesBobby Brown says he was willing to do whatever he could to get to Los Angeles on the day that his ex-wife Whitney Houston was found dead in her hotel room, but he explains that "it was impossible." "Of course I tried to get a flight, I tried to rent a jet," Bobby says during an appearance Tuesday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
When Bobby got the call about Whitney's passing, he was in Mississippi, where he was scheduled to perform with his New Edition group mates. His decision to go ahead with the show that night fueled criticism from people who questioned how he could take the stage after hearing such devastating news.
But Bobby explains that it's what Whitney would have wanted. "I knew the best thing that she would've wanted me to do was perform, you know? We are performers. That's what we did. That's what we do. And she would want the best for me," Bobby says.
Brown, who was with Whitney for 14 years, says that he'll miss the late singer's voice most of all. "I mean, we get to hear it every day. But just to see her sing was amazing," says Bobby.
He's expected to marry his fiancee, Alicia Etheridge, next month, and will release a new album titled The Masterpiece on June 5.
Photo by Al Pereira/WireImageChuck Brown, the legendary musician who is known as the "Godfather of Go-Go," passed away Wednesday, his daughter confirmed to ABC7 in Washington D.C. He was 75.
Brown's passing comes about a week after the Washington Post confirmed that the musician, considered the pioneer of Go-Go music, had been hospitalized with pneumonia. Brown had recently postponed numerous shows due to his failing health.
Brown's 1979 hit, "Bustin' Loose," hit #1 on the R&B charts. The song was later sampled in the 2002 Nelly song, "Hot in Herre." Brown's song "Blow Your Whistle," was also sampled by Eve on her 2007 hit "Tambourine."
A statement from Brown's Twitter account reads: "The Brown family wants to extend their thanks and deepest appreciation to everyone for their concern, prayers..."
Questlove remembered Brown in a tweet, writing, "Damn DC: Long Live The Legacy Of The Immortal Sound of Mr Chuck Brown!"
Photo by FilmMagic.com/FilmMagicRihanna joins celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber in the top ten of Forbes magazine's annual list of the 100 Most Powerful Celebrities. The magazine ranked stars based on money and fame, and Rihanna has plenty of both.
The singer's #4 on the list, thanks to her non-stop stream of hit singles, her touring income, her endorsement deals with Nivea and Vita Coco, her Rebl' Fleur fragrance, and her 53 million Facebook fans. Beyonce is #16 on the list. The new mom has been busy tending to her baby girl Blue Ivy, but Bey still makes money from her old hits and her latest album, 4. Beyonce also holds down endorsement deals with L'Oreal and DirecTV, in addition to guiding her own venture with House of Dereon clothing line.
Other musicians who made the Forbes list:
#26 -- Dr. Dre #38 -- Jay-Z #42 -- Sean Diddy Combs #45 -- Kanye West #69 -- Lil Wayne
Island Def JamThis year's Rock the Bells roster has been revealed, thanks to Nas, who shared a flyer for the star-studded showcase with his Twitter followers late Tuesday night.
"Young world.... Not sure if you know or not but I'm a co-founder and partner in Rock the Bells..," Nas wrote before revealing the line-up for the upcoming festivals taking place August 18-19 in San Bernardino, CA; August 25-26 in Mountainview, CA; and September 1-2 in Holmdel, NJ.
Nas will be headlining the annual fest, along with Kid Cudi and Wiz Khalifa who are set to perform in select markets. J. Cole will appear on select dates, along with Lupe Fiasco, Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar and Dipset. Mac Miller has also been slated to hit the stage, as have A$AP Rocky, Tyga, 2 Chainz, E-40 and Too Short.
Method Man and Redman will perform their Blackout album in its entirety during the festival. Also, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, which is reuniting to celebrate the group's 20th anniversary, will perform their 1995 disc E. 1999 Eternal in its entirety. The Ohio crew will also pay tribute to the late Eazy-E.
DJ Quik, Naughty by Nature, Big Daddy Kane, Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick, Prodigy and Yelawolf are also confirmed for performances. Missy Elliott and Timbaland are slated as special guests. More Rock the Bells performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Amy Graves/WireImage for Full Picture -- Los Angeles When Bobby Brown debuted a new song titled "Don't Let Me Die" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Wednesday night, some media outlets assumed it was a tribute to his late ex-wife, Whitney Houston.
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