Britney Spears? Beyonce? Fans Pick Their Best Albums Of 2011 (So Far)

You can vote for your favorite album of the year over on the Newsroom blog!
By James Montgomery


Britney Spears' Femme Fatale
Photo: Jive

On Wednesday, I published my picks for the Best Albums of 2011 (So Far), a list that included the likes of Lady Gaga, Eminem, the Foo Fighters and Adele, but not Beyoncé, Britney Spears or Chris Brown.

And while I definitely heard some complaints about the albums I did include (Born This Way was too low, 21 was too high, Hell: The Sequel should've been in the top 10, etc.), it seems that the overwhelming majority of folks out there had a bigger problem with the albums I didn't — namely, Femme Fatale, 4 and F.A.M.E.

So, in the interest of fairness, we launched a poll over on our Newsroom blog and asked you to vote for your favorite album from the first-half of 2011; so far, more than 18,000 votes have been cast, and Born This Way leads Femme Fatale by a slim margin. But if you haven't cast your ballot yet, don't fret, because the poll will remain open until Thursday (June 30) at midnight ET.

Vote for your favorite 2011 album right now in our Newsroom poll!

But if you remain undecided, well, then we've got some compelling arguments for you: Comments and — very open — campaigning (plus some actual compliments) from MTV.com readers and Facebook users, each making a case for their favorite album of 2011. Of course, if you feel like sounding off with your picks, do it in the comments section below. And now, on with the acrimony!

"How could you forget Britney Spears? Femme Fatale was the most anticipated album of the year. The thing I hate is that Britney doesn't get recognized enough. Femme Fatale is the best album!" — IfUSeekPeanut:)

"You guys would put Lady Gaga [on the list] and not include Britney's Femme Fatale album! I'm sorry, but despite all of the Auto-Tune and lack of song writing, it's still one of the best dance albums of the new millennium! Gaga ... OMFG, don't even get me started, her album is NOT all that! JUST 'cause she writes her own songs doesn't make them the best songs lyrically! [And] Beyoncél's 4 is not even included? Completely DELUSIONAL list!" — Tony Moreira

"Wow. Femme Fatale gets praises from pretty much everyone in the music industry and it doesn't make the list. Lady Gaga makes sales ... okay, [but] she has yet to top Britney's records (even when she pretty much gave away Born This Way)." — Jdtgu

"Adele is good but all her songs are about breakups, which is depressing, She does deserve some Grammys. And where the f--- is FEMME FATALE? Britney Spears is NOWHERE HERE? That's insane!" — jonny A.

"I was listenin' to Adele back in '07 and never looked back and I always kinda thought maybe she will be the big star she deserves to be. Her album 21 is so honest and real and vulnerable. I'm sorry but I don't think there is any album out or coming out that will be able to compare. [Also], so glad y'all shed a light on Lykke Li's album. She is a very underrated artist. I didn't think she could do better than Youth Novels, but, damn she did the damn thing on Wounded Rhymes. [It's] another classic from Lykke Li." — Mark Anthony Sanchez

"I love that there aren't just mainstream artists on this list, but I will say Femme Fatale doesn't deserve to be on it. I'm not bashing the girl because some of her songs are good (they still weren't written or conceived by her) but it's not anywhere close to these albums. I do love Adele, but I think Gaga basically murdered everyone with her album." — L3M0NAQUA

"I loved Adele's new album! Also I loved Chris Brown's new album too! Britney's was awesome!" — Kayla Copes

"Okay, so let's start voting for people with some real talent, not people that can put on a show. FOO FIGHTERS AND ADELE. There's the talent." — Carrie Heuberger

"Sorry, but you obviously placed Adele's voice at #2 and NOT her mediocre album. Yes, it WILL get the Grammys it deserves BUT it would be a dead-boring album without her strong voice ... In my opinion Adele is ranked too high, but can you blame [the writer] for ranking a HUGE voice at #2 ? Born This Way, well, it could be higher BUT it is a COMPLETE honor that it is the ONLY album from a mainstream pop artist that made it to NUMBER FREAKING FOUR!" — Spyros Venturis

What do you think? Let us know in the comments or vote in our Newsroom poll.

Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666680/fans-best-album-2011.jhtml

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'Transformers': What's Next For The Cast?

As 'Dark of the Moon' threequel shuts down the summer box office, we look at what director Michael Bay and his stars have lined up next.
By Kara Warner


Optimus Prime in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Photo: Paramount

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is flashy, action-packed and dominating at the box office. And although director Michael Bay and star Shia LaBeouf have said they're retiring from the franchise, the billion-dollar success of the films means the 'bots will likely live on.

So while we've speculated about what's to come for the "Transformers" series, we also wondered what Bay and the cast may be cooking up. Read on for our breakdown of what to expect next from your favorite Autobot aficionados.

Michael Bay
The prolific producer/director always has a slew of projects looming on his IMDb page, but according to the man himself, the next Bay-directed film moviegoers will see is "Pain and Gain," a "Pulp Fiction"-style dark comedy that revolves around extortion and abductions in the Florida criminal underworld.

"It's a fun script," Bay said. "[It's] something fun to shoot fast."

In the meantime, look for plenty of Bay-produced films to hit theaters like "Ouija," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Zombies vs. Robots," to name a few.

Shia LaBeouf
LaBeouf has all but guaranteed he will not be back for future "Transformers" installments, so where will we see him next? Likely in the period gangster drama "The Wettest County in the World," starring alongside an all-star cast, though the highly anticipated film doesn't yet have a release date.

After "Wettest," LaBeouf said he doesn't currently have anything lined up. "I'm still a hired gun," he explained. "I don't know what I'm going to do next." He did express interest in a possible big-screen adaptation of "Preacher," for which director D.J. Caruso has previously named LaBeouf in citing his wish list of actors for the project.

"I love the ['Preacher'] comics," LaBeouf told MTV News. "I think Arseface would be awesome."

Tyrese Gibson
Summer 2011 has been a very good one for Gibson. He has appeared in not one, but two, box-office blockbusters. First, with his return to the "Fast and the Furious" franchise in "Fast Five," and then with "Dark of the Moon." The success of "Five," with nearly $600 million at the U.S. box office earlier this summer, put a sixth installment in motion. Universal set the release date for "Fast Six" on May 24, 2013, and although Gibson's name has yet to be officially attached, it's a good bet he'll at least make an appearance in the film.

In addition, Gibson would like to get his feet wet in the superhero movie genre, with a big-screen adaptation of Luke Cage, as he told us at the Moscow premiere of "Dark of the Moon."

"Listen, to Marvel: This is Tyrese Gibson. Get it together. Let's go ahead and shoot this comic book," he urged the studio during our interview. "Luke Cage is one of the original Marvel characters. Show some more respect," he continued. "Go ahead and get some traction going on Luke Cage."

Josh Duhamel
Duhamel has done a nice job of juggling roles in big, action flicks with work in the romantic-comedy arena. Next up for the tall, dark and handsome Duhamel is the star-studded "New Year's Eve," a follow-up to director Garry Marshall's 2010 hit "Valentine's Day." After that, it's back to the intense, action-drama side of things with "Fire With Fire," alongside Bruce Willis, Vinnie Jones, 50 Cent and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
The franchise's new "It" girl was plucked from one glamorous world and dropped into another. Huntington-Whiteley, a Victoria's Secret model, beat out plenty of hopefuls for the role (an audition she admitted she thought she bombed. The first-time actress told MTV News she hopes "Dark of the Moon" is not her last foray into acting.

"I'm really hoping to do another movie," she said. "I'm working toward that, although I very much hope to stay in the fashion industry; it's my first love. We'll see what happens. I've got no idea."

Check out everything we've got on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

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

Related Videos Related Photos

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666900/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-future.jhtml

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'Harry Potter' World Cup Down To Final Four!

It's Hermione vs. Snape and Ron vs. Sirius in a showdown for the title of best 'Potter' character.
By Terri Schwartz


Emma Watson as Hermione in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"
Photo: Warner Bros.

With only four days left to vote in MTV News' "Harry Potter" World Cup, the competition is heating up as the contestants narrow down.

The Final Four "Harry Potter" characters were revealed Friday (July 8), and now Hermione Granger faces off against Professor Snape while Ron Weasley has a showdown with Sirius Black. It's anyone's call as to who will make it into the finals, let alone take home the trophy.

"It gets down to who fans really want to see take this entire tournament home," said Julia Hodges of DanRadcliffe.com and RupertGrint.net.

Even with the stakes raised so high, the "Harry Potter" experts MTV has been chatting with have their own gut feelings about who is going to make it into the final round. And, according to Rosie Halse of the Leaky Cauldron, this is Hermione's last hurrah.

"This is where Hermione is going to fall down, unfortunately," Halse predicted. "I love Hermione to pieces, but I think that Snape has a much more ardent following. He has so many twists and turns in the book, whereas Hermione is quite a constant character that perhaps Snape might win on a character basis."

But the experts still feel that one of the series' Big Three will make it into the finals: Ron Weasley. "Sirius has been such an important role model to Harry, yet Ron has been such an important friend to Harry," Andrew Sims of MuggleNet said. "I think in this competition, Ron is going to win because: A) popularity, and B) he's always been by Harry's side."

Voting for the Final Four continues on the MTV Movies Blog through Sunday, July 10, at midnight. Then the showdown between the last two "Potter" characters left standing begins promptly at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, July 11, with the winner being announced later that night during MTV's live stream of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" red-carpet premiere in New York City.

We're streaming live from the red carpet at the New York premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" on Monday, July 11, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Visit MTV.com to watch interviews with the stars and see the winner of the "Harry Potter" World Cup announced live. Tweet your questions for the cast @MTVNews using the hashtag #AskPotter.

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."

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

Related Videos Related Photos

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667006/harry-potter-deathly-hallows-part-2-world-cup.jhtml

Brooke Burns Busy Philipps Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson

Mason and Kingston Love Venettini

Mason Disick and Kingston Rossdale are looking dapper around town in their Venettini loafers. Venettini produces stylish and comfortable footwear for kids. The classic styles can be dressed up or down and the durable rubber soles makes them tough enough to withstand the playground.

Mason paired his vest with Savor navy/beige leather loafers. Kingston wore a snazzy blazer and Mason went casual with shorts in the Morgan loafers in grey nubuck (out of stock). You can find them in brown and black too. Find them all on sale for $58.80.

Top Story? (feature beneath menu): 
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Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2011/07/08/mason-and-kingston-love-venettini

Jodi Lyn OKeefe Jolene Blalock Jordana Brewster Josie Maran

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY JADEN SMITH!

He is the heir apparent to the throne of blockbuster movie-making in Hollywood, and he's only 13!  Come inside and celebrate Jaden Smith's birthday....

Born 13 years ago today as Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden has already made major moves in Hollywood.

Whether is was his breakout role in The Pursuit Of Happyness, or his starring role in the international blockbuster The Karate Kid, Jaden has shown he will follow in his dad's footsteps and become a major force in Hollywood.

With several awards already under his belt, we will be seeing a lot more of Jaden as he places his stamp on Hollywood. 

Celebrate Jaden's birthday in the gallery below.  Happy 13th Jaden! 

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/07/08/happy-13th-birthday-jaden-smith

Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez

Elizabeth Smart Hired as ABC News Correspondent

Elizabeth Smart Hired as ABC News Correspondent

Elizabeth Smart has found a way to turn her personal tragedy into a triumph. Kidnapped at 14 from her Salt Lake City home and rescued nine months later, the girl whose story riveted us all is now a poised, outspoken 23-year-old -- and has been hired as an ABC News correspondent. The network has announced that Smart will be covering missing persons stories for all programs in the news division.

"She'll help our viewers better understand missing person stories from someone with the perspective to know what a family experiences when a loved one goes missing," says an ABC News spokeswoman.

It's certainly not a gig that most kidnapping victims would be eager to take on -- but Smart is a pretty extraordinary person. After being rescued from her harrowing nine months of captivity by a mentally unstable street preacher and his wife, she discussed her ordeal on Dateline NBC, Oprah and Larry King Live. Since then, she has turned missing persons legislation into a personal cause, lobbying for stronger laws to help in cases like her own. Now she's preparing to graduate from Brigham Young University, and is ready to start her life as an adult. To that end, the ABC News rep stresses that Smart will be "looking ahead, not looking back at her own story."

Smart will make her debut in the next couple weeks, although she will not appear in ABC News' upcoming coverage of the Jaycee Dugard case, which has parallels with her own. (Dugard, who was held hostage for 18 years after her kidnapping, will speak to Diane Sawyer on Sunday.) Back in August 2009, Smart appeared on Anderson Copper's CNN show to offer advice to Dugard.

"I would just encourage her to find different passions in life and continually push forward and learn more and reach more for them," said Smart, then 21, "and not to look behind, because there's a lot out there."

It sounds like Smart is ready and eager to help other families who went through ordeals like her own. Hopefully, this new job will let her do exactly that.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/elizabeth-smart-hired-abc-news-correspondent/1-a-363229

Haylie Duff Heidi Klum Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton

Beyonce's 4 Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know

Long-awaited album finally hit stores Tuesday.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé's <i>4</i>
Photo: Columbia

Beyoncé's 4 may have leaked weeks ago, but its official release date is finally upon us. It's been a long-churning album that touches on soul, '90s R&B, hip-hop and even '80s adult contemporary. Long before the album even dropped, B promised fans that the album would be eclectic — a promise that was certainly met.

"I have a lot of live instruments that I'm putting into the tracks to try to change the sound and make my own genre of music," she said about the album.

On it, she worked with a number of A-listers, including The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Kanye West, Chad Hugo, Ryan Tedder and Diplo, to name a few. She had also been spotted in the studio with indie acts like Sleigh Bells, proving that she wanted to try anything and everything.

"I'm mixing every type of genre that I love and I'm inspired by every type of genre," she told MTV News late last year. "I'm not in a box. It's not R&B. It's not typically pop. It's not rock. It's just everything I love all mixed together in my own little gumbo of music."

Which track on 4 is your favorite? Tell us on our Facebook page.

By the time 2010 was nearing its midway mark, Beyoncé finally debuted "Run the World (Girls)," a girl-power pop tune that samples Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor" and is full of so much bravado that she needed wild animals in the music video.

So why did Beyoncé name the album 4? Well, aside from the fact that it's her fourth album, she explained: "We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday and a lot of my friends' birthdays are on the fourth; April 4 is my wedding date."

In addition to "Run the World (Girls)," Queen B teased fans with songs like the album's official second single, "Best Thing I Never Had," plus the promotional track "1+1" and the leaked track "Party," featuring Andre 3000.

The songs show the many sides of Beyoncé: playful, heartfelt, flirty, sexy and, yes, sassy. In the end, B wanted fans to hear all those sides of her on the album. "I also gave myself more freedom to really belt out some songs, and bring soul singing back," she explained. "I used a lot of the brassiness and grittiness in my voice that people hear in my live performances, but not necessarily on my records."

What are your thoughts on 4? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666507/beyonce-4-album.jhtml

Amanda Righetti Amanda Swisten Amber Arbucci Amber Brkich

official wedding pictures of Prince William and Duchess Catherine

Royal Wedding

A day removed from their fairytale nuptials, Prince William and the newly-titled Duchess Catherine have made their official wedding portraits available for public viewing.

Certainly quite the elegant couple, Will and Kate Middleton posed for the trio of photos - with the lovely pair surrounded by their flower girls and young ushers in one adorable shot.

Enjoy the official wedding pictures of Prince William and Duchess Catherine (April 29).

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Source: http://www.celebritygossiphollywood.com/celebrities/prince-harry/official-wedding-pictures-of-prince-william-and-duchess-catherine/

January Jones Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Gareis