KELLY CUTRONE IN TORONTO FOR AMMA CANADA

Kelly Cutrone in Toronto - July 2012

Yes, it really happened!  On her way out of an appearance on Global Television's The Morning Show, I got to meet PR Queen, Television Star and Author Kelly Cutrone.  And she is everything I thought she would be: real, charismatic, commanding and fun. I've met many famous people in my time, but some fall short of what you'd hope when you actually do get to meet them. Cutrone's larger-than-life presence confirms exactly why we are so drawn to her and respect her opinions.

Cutrone made her debut on America's Next Top Model Cycle 18 late February, further solidifying her status as a Fashion Industry Icon, succeeding Vogue's André Leon Talley as a Judge on the popular TV Series.  She gained widespread exposure after turns on MTV's True Life, The Hills and The City.  Her PR Film People's Revolution has produced a record-breaking number of Fashion Shows for a high-profile Roster of Clients including the likes of Thierry Mugler, Bulgari, Valentino and Vivienne Westwood.

Taking a moment to promote her Brand, the Multimedia Empire's three-day visit to Toronto actually is for charity.  She is working with AMMA Canada, which in addition to hosting a Soup Kitchen, aims to serve the needs of those less fortunate and the Elderly in our Community.  The inspiration behind the Foundation, Amma (coined The Hugging Saint), currently is touring Canada with appearances at Doubletree by Hilton in Toronto's west-end  between Thursday, July 19 and Sunday, July 22, 2012. More details here.

Meeting Cutrone was amaze.  After posing for a Photo together and chatting about recently-outed Rapper Frank Ocean (she thinks he was extorted for money), Neil Diamond (she thinks he's cute) and Madonna (she feels the Pop Queen has received ageist/sexist criticisms of late) - one of the Producers of The Morning Show escorting her to her Town Car tells me he's a Fan of my Blog.  Cutrone says to me, "What? You're a Blogger?  Send me details!".  She then approvingly tells the Producer, "You've gotta book this Guy to be on your Guest Panel, he's so funny!". Of course being a true blue Business Woman, jokingly she demands a payment. "I'm your PR now, see!  You can wire me the funds in Canadian dollars!" she says, referencing our Dollar's run towards Parity to the US Dollar.  Dead.

THE CAST OF "THE BURIED LIFE" IN TORONTO FOR "WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE?"

The Cast of The Buried Life in Toronto - April 2012

So what's on your Bucket List? The Cast of MTV's The Buried Life met hundreds of their Fans last night at Chapters John & Richmond in Toronto, completing a two-day Press Tour in support of their new Book, What Do You want to do Before You Die, distributed in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son. Some of their televised appearances over these past couple days included Global Television's The Morning Show and CityTV's Breakfast Television.

The Series which aired first in January 2010 in the U.S., follows Friends Ben Nemtin, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Jonnie Penn on their journeys throughout North America as they cross items off their 100 Things to Do Before You Die List, while helping Strangers also achieve their own dreams too.

The Boys were extremely generous with their time, spending almost three hours chatting with Fans, taking Photos with them and signing Autographs.  Fans were exhilarated as originally there originally were to be no posed photos at the Event.  Some Fans got kisses, some got hugs and some helped themselves to a jumbo Ziploc bag of Chocolate Chip Cookies positioned in front of Nemtin.

The Boys kept spirits alive along with a lively Emcee in Melissa, dancing along to some Old School tunes from their seats, drawing giggles from the Crowd - many whom were infatuated Teen Girls playing nervously with their hair as they had their moment with each of the Boys.

Getting a copy of their Book signed for my Niece Emily, Brothers Duncan and Jonnie jokingly called me by her name the whole time, "It was nice to meet you Emily!  Great name!".  LOL

Watch and see below:

MICHAEL FASSBENDER ON "MTV AFTERHOURS"

Michael Fassbender on MTV Afterhours

A Reader sent me this over and after trying to check it out on MTV U.S.' Website, I realized we can't view this in Canada due to regional restrictions.  Some Fans were kind enough to upload it to Chinese site TuDou for all of us to enjoy.  Yay!

Michael Fassbender, currently promoting his big Oscar vehicle SHAME, appeared recently on MTV Afterhours with Josh Horowitz.  Throwing Fassbender completely off-guard, Horowitz challenges him to a Guessing Game like you've never seen before.  

Hint: it has to do with Fassbender's "big reveal" in the SHAME. A true test of his self-confidence, Fassbender handles himself gracefully and is a great sport about it all!

Click here to watch the hilarious Clip.

Don't forget to enter to win Advance Passes to see SHAME in Toronto and also that signed Michael Fassbender Photo here.

(Photo credit: MTV)

LADY GAGA & JUSTIN BIEBER TOP 2011 MTV EMAs

Katy Perry at 2011 MTV EMAs

Belfast's Odyssey Arena is where it was at last night for the 2011 MTV European Music Awards... and the Americans stole the show! Lady Gaga top home top honours winning Best Female. She also won awards for Best Song and Best Video with her track Born this Way, donning yet another interesting Headpiece from her Haus of Gaga Collection. Gaga also performed a stirring rendition of her new Single, Marry the Night.

Selena Gomez hosted the Event, also performing new Track Hit the Lights, while Boyfriend Justin Bieber even came out to do a festive Medley of Mistletoe and Never Say Never, himself being awarded Best Male.

Despite Gaga dominating, Katy Perry would not leave empty-handed, getting awarded Best Live by Jersey Shore Co-stars JWoww and Snooki.

Other highlights of the evening included Irish Actor David Monahan streaking across the stage naked as Hayden Panettiere introduced Lady Gaga for her performance.

Read more here.

See Gaga perform Marry the Night below:

LADY ANTEBELLUM IN TORONTO FOR "OWN THE NIGHT" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley poses with Fan outside Masonic Temple

The owned the night.  Country-Pop Megastars Lady Antebellum celebrated the smash success of a number one debut atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 and Canadian Albums Charts with their sophomore Disc, Own the Night released just last Tuesday.  The Album sold 21k copies in Canada and an impressive 347k south of the Border.

The Trio did a round of Press this morning including visits the CMT Canada and CHFI, the latter where they performed a set before a studio audience.  Fans were in for a treat also this evening at MTV Canada (Masonic Temple) where Lady Antebellum performed for just-over 90 minutes at an intimate taping of Bravo's At the Concert Hall series.  The Concert will air November 1, 2011, but fear not if you want to see them sooner as they will appear on CTV's Canada AM tomorrow morning.

Although Bandmates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood were rushed-out of the Taping where no Cameras were permitted, Frontman Charles Kelley was friendly as always with Fans, stopping to pose for Photos and sign a couple Autographs for lucky Fans.  Guess what?  I got one for you!  

To qualify for the win, you must "like" Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and leave a comment under this Post indicating the names of the three members of Lady Antebellum.  Your deadline is October 22, 2011. Good luck, Mavenati!

Lady Antebellum's Own the Night is now in stores via EMI Music Canada.

See more Photos below:

2011 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS RECAP

Lady Gaga at 2011 MTV VMAs

Lady Gaga made sure she was the talk of the 2011 MTV VMAs held this evening, arriving in Drag dressed as her male Alter-ego, Jo Calderone.  "Gaga isn't here", soon became a Mantra as it was drilled into our Psyche over and over.

Where it became a little grating though was in a scheduled Tribute honouring Britney Spears, where Calderone/Gaga was to present the Award to Spears, he/she repeatedly interrupted that Pop Legend's one shining moment....  the one shining moment all her hard work in all these years as an Entertainer would culminate to.  Spears and Gaga both collected some of the Evening's more important Awards: the former nabbed Best Pop Video for Till the World Ends and the latter won Best Female Pop Video for Born this Way.

Adele not be outshone, charmed the Audience to a Standing Ovation with her rendition of Someone Like You from her top-selling 21 Disc, proving maybe we don't need over-the-top costumes and make-up to keep an audience entertained.  Less is more sometimes.

MAROON 5'S ADAM LEVINE BASHES MTV ON TWITTER

Adam Levine directs Tweet at MTV

Although they air tonight at 9 PM EST, not all Pop Acts will be tuning into the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards!  Take Maroon 5 Frontman Adam Levine example who Tweeted yesterday about his general distaste for the direction taken by the Station, which once stood for Music Television Video.  

Despite having the number one song on the Canadian Hot 100 and one of this Summer's biggest hits  with Moves Like Jagger (ft. Christina Aguilera) - currently number four on the U.S Billboard Hot 100 - it appears either the Band either was snubbed by MTV in being asked to perform this year  ...or quite simply they are busy touring right now.

Go Adam, I support you fully!  I miss the days when I would just lounge on my Couch all day watching Music Videos before all this Reality Television nonsense.  Or perhaps maybe we're just too Old School and should just embrace the fact that you have to go online now to watch Music Videos?

BRITNEY SPEARS TO BE HONOURED AT 2011 MTV VMAs

Britney Spears in 2011 MTV VMAs Promo

The 2011 MTV VMAs already will be honouring Britney Spears this year in a special Tribute. Has it already been that long?  Set to air live Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9:00 PM, Spears recently filmed Promo Clip for the Show.  Something tells me we might be seeing Lady Gaga join in on this after having appeared at her Atlantic City show last weekend?

Despite regional restrictions from MTV disabling Canadian viewers from seeing the Promo Clip, you can still see the Promo Clip here in full. You also can see some Photos from behind-the-scenes here.

For those of you going out to Spears' Femme Fatale Tour in Toronto this weekend, have fun!

(Photo credit: MTV)

KATY PERRY SCORES NINE MTV VMA NOMINATIONS

Katy Perry & Mr. Will-W.

Congratulations to Katy Perry who just nabbed a total nine nominations for this year's MTV Video Music Awards, to be aired live August 28, 2011 at 8:00 PM. Among those categories for which Perry is nominated include: Best Pop Video, Best Collaboration, Best Direction, Best Special Effects and the most prestigious honour, Video of the Year.

Perry upon finding out the amazing news Tweeted, "OMG! I just got word that I'm nominated for 9 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS!!! I'm kinda speechless/nervous/turned on! NOW it's up to YOU to VOTE!". She is currently still touring in Seattle.

ROBERT PATTINSON & TAYLOR LAUTNER SHARE KISS AT 2011 MTV MOVIE AWARDS

Taylor Lautner & Robert Pattinson kiss at 2011 MTV Movie Awards

In what will be remembered as the most shockingly defining moment of the 2011 MTV Movie Awards, Robert Pattinson went into the audience where The Twilight Saga Co-star Taylor Lautner was sitting... and kissed him!  After much speculation that tonight would be the first time in which Pattinson and Girlfriend/Co-Star Kristen Stewart would be kissing publicly upon receiving their award for Best Kiss, Pattinson managed to break the tension successfully with his surprise move.  Pattinson also won Best Male Performance for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Jason Sudeikis of NBC's Saturday Night Live hosted for the first-time ever providing for several awkward moments, including making reference to Blake Lively's recent Nude Photo Scandal when introducing her and  Green Lantern Co-star Ryan Reynolds on-stage as Presenters.

Reese Witherspoon who received the MTV Generation Award for her body of work, gave younger Actresses a bit of advice, "If you're gonna take nude photos of yourself, cover your face!".  Calling, Blake Lively....

Other Winners this evening included Chloë Grace Moretz for Best Breakout Star in Kick-Ass, Emma Stone for Best Comedic Performance in Easy A, Justin Bieber for Most Jaw Dropping Moment in Never Say Never and Kristen Stewart for Best Female Performance in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.  The Twilight Saga: Eclipse garnered a total five Awards, leading all nominees in wins, including the top Award of the evening, Best Movie.

Click here for a full list of Winners.

(Photo credit: WireImage/MTV.Com)

MTV PREMIERES "BRITNEY SPEARS: I AM THE FEMME FATALE"

Still from Britney Spears: I am the Femme Fatale&nbsp

MTV premiered their Britney Spears: I am the Femme Fatale Special last night, giving Fans a special look behind-the-scenes at the making of the megastar’s seventh Disc. In the broadcast, Spears revealed that she has her hesitations after not having toured for a couple years and spending most of her days putting her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James first. “I haven't been out (on stage) for a year... I have jitterbugs”, she says.

On her regular routine, she claims to be most productive when her Kids are at school. “…I usually get them up in the morning, and I'm usually at the gym, and I help cook dinner sometimes ... a lot of the stuff that I do I do early in the morning.”.

She was seen working on Track Big Fat Bass in the Studio together with The Black Eyed Peas’ Frontman will.i.am. Spears tells MTV, “I like to choose songs which empower people”. The Special follows Spears as she made a surprise appearance at Palms Hotel in Las Vegas recently, previewing new Tracks off her album for an enthused Audience and also we see her prepping for her Video, Till the World Ends where she claims that she denied herself time to go to the Bathroom in helping save Production costs.

Where Spears raised a few eyebrows was at the end of the Special where she was asked if she will continue being an Entertainer for long. The 29 year-old says, “"I hope so… or maybe I'll be doing nothing!". This has Fans speculating whether or not Spears truly is happy with her Career right now.

Watch the Special in full below:

BRITNEY SPEARS IN CUT "JACKASS 3-D" SCENE ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

Britney Spears in cut Jackass 3-D Scene

Britney Spears made an appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live last night along with Johnny Knoxville. It was revealed that she originally had filmed a scene for the latest instalment of the MTV Films franchise, Jackass 3-D. Knoxville told Kimmel that Spears' scene had been cut, to which the Host replied, “Sometimes in Film you have to kill your Babies”. And speaking of Babies, a game Spears is seen in the Clip stating “No. I’m not scared of Poo”, in regards to being a Mother now.

The skit titled The Poo Cocktail Supreme shows Spears getting into a Portable Toilet attached to some Bungee Cords.  She is then flung into the air as its contents splash all over her. Gross. Not sure if this was filmed specifically for her Kimmel appearance or not, but they sure want us to believe this is real. After the stunt, she is seen attacking the Jackass Crew.

Watch the Clip in full below:

ADELE AT MTV LIVE CANADA | PICS & VIDEO RECAP

Adele at MTV LIVE - March 2011

Alas, soulful British Siren Adele has arrived in Toronto safe and sound to promote her sophomore Disc 21. She did however, have a few scary moments during her bumpy flight from Los Angeles, which had her downing in her words, "a lot of Wine" to help calm the nerves. All is well now.  Especially considering she just received news today that the Album has reached number one in Canada.  A similar fate is expected south of the Border.

Performing tonight before an intimate audience on MTV Canada's staple program MTV LIVE, Adele performed five songs (a mix of old and new) and answered some thought-provoking questions, giving the lucky audience some insight into the Character behind that infectious laugh which Mega-Producer Ryan Tedder for one, can distinguish without fail.  

Adele reveals that she and Tedder had once crossed paths in an Elevator in their Hotel, and even with her hidden behind some balloons, he knew that those giggles he heard had belonged to none other than her.  Getting along rather famously, they had then begun to collaborate on what would become some of 21's more poignant moments like the gritty Rumour Has It and heart-wrenching Turning Tables.  The latter was written on the simple instruction to Tedder of creating something "bitter". Voila!  It was completed in less than 30 minutes.  Quicker than a Pizza Delivery.

JERSEY SHORE'S JWOWW IN TORONTO FOR NEW BOOK "THE RULES ACCORDING TO JWOWW"

JWoww & Mr. Will-W.

The lovely and curvacious JWoww (née Jennifer Farley), known best for her star-making role on MTV's hit Reality TV Series Jersey Shore, now is officially in Toronto.  She is in town for a couple days to promote her latest venture, a Book offering no nonsense relationship advice for Women, titled The Rules According to JWoww.  The Book released through Harper Collins, hit stores earlier this month.

Accompanied by her tall and handsome Boyfriend Roger Williams (seen right), also a Cast Member on Jersey Shore now, JWoww arrived this evening with luggage in tow and gifts by-the-plenty from Fans including many balloons.  Despite being extremely tired, JWoww still stopped and posed for Photos with a few adoring Fans (no Autographs), some who had more even more gifts for her.  Why, all these gifts you ask?  Well, today is the New York native's 26th Birthday!

These past couple weeks have been v. tough for JWoww as she is still mourning the loss of her beloved Grandmother, so her Toronto Fans should be extra grateful that she's carrying on with her Book Tour.  In addition to much Press tomorrow with various CTV-owned outlets, she will be meeting Fans at her Indigo Eaton Centre Book Signing tomorrow night at 7:00 PM.  To read more on her itinerary, click here.

See more Photos of JWoww below, still looking radiant after a long flight and weekend of partying in Las Vegas:

JERSEY SHORE'S VINNY GUADAGNINO SPOTTED IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Vinny Guadagnino & Mr. Will-W.

Vinny Guadagnino might be known more for his on-again/off-again romance with Snooki on MTV's Jersey Shore, but while some of his higher-profile Co-Stars on the wildly successful Reality TV Series have been quick to capitalize off their new-found Fame, he's been a little more low-key.

Guadagnino flew in to Toronto earlier today for a scheduled appearance at The Guverment Night Club tonight.  Often thought of as the "Good Guy" on the Show, he was spotted having Brunch earlier today with his Entourage at Fran's Diner across from Eaton Centre.

Despite wearing a pair of Sunglasses, his identity could not be concealed as he was recognized instantly on his way out to Dinner with Friends and a Party Promoter.  As he signed one shirtless Photo of himself for me, one Friend jokingly commented on his pose: "Man, that's Gay!".  Guadagnino replied by recalling the fun he had in Miami during that Photoshoot.  He then posed for a quick Photo with me, doing his signature Fist Pump, which unfortunately my Camera didn't capture in full.  But you get the Picture....

The Staten Island native is one of three Jersey Shore Cast Members in-town this weekend.  Co-stars JWoww and Pauly D are also here, while The Situation is set to arrive sometime next week for an appearance at Vaughan's Luxy Night Club.

MADONNA UPLOADS "EXPRESS YOURSELF" PERFORMANCE IN RESPONSE TO LADY GAGA

Madonna

Well, okay then!  Avid Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader and supporter Kevin Young has noted that Madonna just uploaded her 1989 MTV Video Music Awards performance of Express Yourself on her YouTube Page, due to all the attention the track is receiving with the release of Lady Gaga's Born This Way.   The Public feels unanimously that the track sounds like Express Yourself - melodically and in the spirit of its lyrics.

In fact Express Yourself, 22 years after its initial release, was Trending on Twitter yesterday, perhaps even moreso than Born This Way.  All this proves again that Madonna can be emulated, though her success cannot be duplicated. And remember that she did it without Meat Dresses, Heel-free Shoes and Flaming Pianos - just talent, drive and edge. 

Express Yourself only managed to peak at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart.  In just one day, Born this Way has topped the iTunes Singles Chart in 23 different countries. No disrespect to Gaga, but let's give credit where it's due.

Watch Madonna's fiery performance of Express Yourself below:

(Photo/Video credit: MTV & Madonna, of course)

DAN SAVAGE STRIKES DEAL WITH MTV FOR REALITY SERIES

Dan Savage

Founder of the It Gets Better Campaign and Sex Columnist Dan Savage will soon be appearing on Television screens around the world as he has just signed on a production deal with MTV to do a Reality Show.  The Series will follow Savage as he tours Colleges around the U.S., discussing Sex issues with students.  No details yet on its title or when it will air. 

Sold!  Can't wait to see this one.  It's great that MTV is doing something about someone fascinating.  Like Taco Bell, I could care less about a bunch of drug-loving, promiscuous Teenagers.... 

RIHANNA STUNNING IN SPAIN AT 2010 MTV EMAs

Rihanna at 2010 MTV EMAs

Rihanna is an absolute vision here opening the 2010 MTV European Music Awards last night at Spain's Caja Magica, with a performance of number one hit single Only Girl (in the World). The floral number is by British Designer Halfpenny London and is vibrant, working perfectly with that firey red hair she's been rocking of late.

Other winners at last night's Awards, now in its 16th year, include Ke$ha and Katy Perry, but the biggest winner of all was Lady Gaga who nabbed three major Awards including Best Pop, Best Female and Best Song. Busy with her Monster Ball Tour, she accepted the Award via satellite in Budapest.

Click here for more winners.

(Photo credit: Dave Bennett/MTV)

BRYAN ADAMS IN TORONTO FOR BRAVO'S "LIVE AT THE CONCERT HALL"

Bryan Adams at MTV Canada

One of Canada's greatest male artists ever, Bryan Adams, flew in to Toronto this evening to do a quick performance at MTV Canada for its sister network Bravo's Live at the Concert Hall series.  Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide, the Grammy, Golden Globe and Juno Award winner is now promoting his new acoustic album Bare Bones, a first from label Decca.  The Album containing 20 of his biggest hits re-recorded with pared-down arrangements, is due in stores November 16, 2010.  Earlier in the year, Adams completed a World Tour in which he performed these new versions of his classics.

Outside the venue, the intimate audience could be heard clapping and cheering loudly for Adams during the hour-long set, before capping off the performance with 2002 hit Back to You.  As per Adams' Driver, I was advised that he would be in a rush to head off to the Airport after the show. Upon leaving the venue, Adams could be seen trying to finish a post-performance snack of a Banana. With a small group of fans waiting about for Autographs, Adams entered his Town Car before rolling down his window to personalize items passed his way.

One male fan asked Adams if he could simply just sign a photo without a personalization on it, to which he replied, "What's your name?  I'm not going to sign it if it's not to you".  Capping it off at one Autograph per fan, Adams' Driver proceeded to drive off, leaving a few fans disappointed.  Luckily, I got my copy of his 1993 Best-of Collection So Far So Good personalized, despite Adams admitting that his own signature isn't much to look at.  Love him nonetheless!

The broadcast of Adams' Bravo appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST, allowing for plenty of time for post-production and touching-up. You can refer to their website for more details  (thanks Kelly!).

Expressing a bit of displeasure at one fan trying to photograph him ("Get that damn Camera out of my face"), these are the best shots I could get of Adams as he would continually block shots with Fan Memorabilia.

KANYE WEST APOLOGY TO TAYLOR SWIFT ON TWITTER

Kanye West apologizes on Twitter

Let me first start off by saying this. I don't find Kanye West particularly gifted as a Musician. His acclaim and commercial success are in my opinion, over-rated. I'm by no means a Hip-Hop Connaisseur, but even I recognize that much of his success has been built off sampling others' music and somehow gaining more recognition for it than the original artists.

As a retrospective, here are his biggest hits and in brackets are the names of the original artists and songs:

• Stronger (Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk)
• Through the Wire (Through the Fire by Chaka Khan)
• All Falls Down (Mystery of Iniquity by Lauryn Hill)
• Jesus Walks (If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go by Curtis Mayfield)

Can anybody explain then how it is possible that he felt warranted in humiliatingly criticizing another artist's (Taylor Swift) merit, especially when that artist actually writes a majority of her own music?