FIRST LOOK: "SPRING BREAKERS"

Promo Photo for Spring Breakers

Getting a TIFF Premiere 6:00 PM on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Ryerson Theatre, this official First Look at Spring Breakers has just surfaced!  The Comedy centers around four College Girls who get thrown in jail after robbing a restaurant to fund their Spring Break. They get bailed out by a Drug/Gun Dealer who bails them out but gets them to help with some "dirty work". I'm hearing this one is v. bloody, violent and edgy. Must see.

Selena Gomez, James Franco, Heather Morris, Ashley Benson and Vanessa Hudgens all star in Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers.

Watch the Preview below:

ALBUM REVIEW: JUSTIN BIEBER - "BELIEVE"

Justin Bieber - Believe

Although it took a bit of time to happen, Justin Bieber's third Studio Disc Believe gives every indication that he is a few steps further in the right direction to a lasting career, defying the nagging perception that his best is behind him already, having first burst onto the scene in 2008 to instant success.

The parallels to Justin Timberlake are undeniable. It is clear here that Bieber has given his Collaborators a clear mandate to make an Album in the same vein as that one's Justified Disc and as much as Bieber might want to make a full-on R&B Disc, he makes a few choices here which will get him some much-needed Airplay.  Many would be surprised to know that despite his status as an International Superstar, the 18-year-old still has yet to achieve a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one. The Disc's first Single Boyfriend, co-penned by Mike Posner, came awful close though reaching number two.

Although hardly different from any of Chris Brown's more recent material, official second Single All Around the World (ft. Ludacris) is one of the Disc's best Tracks, reuniting Bieber with Toronto Duo Adam Messinger and Nasri.  Die in Your Arms, which samples Michael Jackson's We've Got a Good Thing Going, is all but lacking in the Charm Department, showcasing Bieber vocally at his best with his silky-smooth Runs and Riffs.  Fans are rewarded fully after waiting this long for a second Disc of original material, as he navigated triumphantly that ever-tricky lowering in Vocal Range.

2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS RED CARPET PHOTOS

Stars of the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards

With special thanks to our dear Friend Saul Porto, here is a Collage I whipped-up from behind the scenes and Red Carpet of 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards. Saul was out and about the entire day capturing moments over at Queen Street and these are just a few of the beautiful Snaps he took on Sunday. He tells me in particular that he's a huge Fan of LMFAO and that Nelly Furtado was a Sweetheart to Photographers.

Although things got a little tricky with requests from a certain Singer's Management to not photograph her during Rehearsals, alas it was all worth it as she looked stunning when she finally was Red Carpet-ready.  

Saul tells me his only disappointment was not being able to get Snaps of Couple Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez together on the Red Carpet - a Moment many were holding-out for, although instead the Night's big Winner Carly Rae Jepsen had posed for Photo Ops together with Bieber.

Enjoy.

(Photo credit: Saul Porto via Mr. Will-W.)

JUSTIN BIEBER IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Justin Bieber & Monika in Toronto - June 2012

Talk about making a Girl's Dream come true!  Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Friend and Reader Monika has tried many times to get her Photo with Justin Bieber previously and just as she was ready to give-up, it happened today. Finally. Monika caught-up with Bieber after his morning Soundcheck for tomorrow night's 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards and she's still speechless and in-shock.

Arriving on-stage in a Jean Jacket, it wasn't long before Bieber got hot and had to remove it and his young Female Fans got an eye-full of him in his Tank Top. No complaints, right Ladies?

Bieber has been exceptionally generous with Fans on this Visit, including taking a slew of Photos with Fans last night at Toronto Pearsonal International Airport while picking-up Girlfriend Selena Gomez.  Perfect Publicity for his new Disc Believe, in-stores next week!

Thanks Monika for the Photo!

(Photo credit: Monika)

JUSTIN BIEBER, SELENA GOMEZ & MORE TEAM FOR "CALL ME MAYBE" FAN VIDEO

Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and more in Fan Video for Call Me Maybe

If there was any doubt that Carly Rae Jepsen is on the verge of becoming a major star... Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Big Time Rush's Carlos Pena, Sammy Droke and Ashley Tisdale teamed together with Director/Editor Alfredo Flores to make this Fan Video for Jepsen's current Single, Call Me Maybe, which already is a bona fide success in her homeland of Canada.  The only catch here of course is that these Fans are all Celebrities!

The next step with Jepsen's just-announced Record Deal with Scooter Braun's Schoolboy Records, of course is to take her success internationally.  Within a week, her stock has skyrocketed and proof of this is her Twitter Follower-base increasing from 30k to 100k. V. exciting!

Watch this Fan Video for Call Me Maybe below:

CARLY RAE JEPSEN IN TORONTO FOR "CURIOSITY" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - February 2012

It's always exciting to see one of our own go on to succeed, but even more so, actually seeing them gaining respect in our Country. Let's face it, as Canadians often we're tougher on our own Artists and sometimes need to see them gain acceptance elsewhere before we buy into them.  26-year-old Carly Rae Jepsen's success story long has been in the works and after having first gaining attention on now-defunct Canadian Idol in 2007 placing third, she was signed to Vancouver-based 604 Records, distributed through Universal Music Canada.

Continuing to write and tour to modest success with 2008 Debut Tug of War, the Native of Mission, British Columbia now is finally reaping the rewards of persistence.  Friday, December 30, 2011 was an auspicious day for Jepsen when Canadian Megastar Justin Bieber Tweeting his affections for her Single Call Me Maybe.  Bieber confessed, "Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen is possibly the catchiest song I've ever heard lol".  With over 17 million Fans following his every move, you better belieb that Jepsen's Profile would soon see a significant boost.

Undeniably infectious, the Track was released in September but finally as of January 2012, has achieved Platinum sales (80,000 units) in Canada.  The likes of Selena Gomez and Pretty Little Liars Star Ashley Benson would declare their love publicly for Call Me Maybe, creating a potential international breakthrough with the power of viral exposure and Celebrity influence.  The Song now currently is number one on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, a rare feat for a Canadian Artist.

Now with the release of her EP Curiosity slated for tomorrow, Valentine's Day, we'll see just how much love Canadians have to give one of our newest National Treasures.  The slickly-produced six-track Disc (five of which she penned) expands on Jepsen's established Sound - tight melodies which could stand on their own with just a Guitar, but beneficially are embellished with Pop/Rock arrangements with a tinge of Electronica thrown in.  She even covers fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now.

MR. WILL-W.:POP MAVEN'S 2011 BEST-OF LISTS

Although I was always under the mindset that 2011 wasn't really a standout year in terms of Music and Film, looking back I can appreciate that even though for me there were no clear-cut, definitive favourites, overall there were many bright and memorable moments.  I have selected my Top Ten Films and Top 20 Tracks of 2011.  Let's see where my choices compare to yours!

Still from The Artist

TOP TEN FILMS:
1. The Artist
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
3. Shame
4. Bridesmaids
5. The Help
6. The Muppets
7. War Horse
8. My Week with Marilyn
9. Drive
10. Warrior

One of my biggest regrets this year was not seeing The Artist at TIFF in September, but better late than never as the Film which touched and uplifted me most, actually is only a recent discovery.  The Silent Film about Era-star George Valentin is a triumph and a must-see for all.  Also, despite not loving the original Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, alas all that buzz did amount to something solid with David Fincher's Adaptation starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig being absolutely electrifying.  Michael Fassbender quickly has become one of my favourite Actors also with his riveting performance in Shame as a Sex Addict whose life is interrupted by the sudden arrival of his estranged Sister. Kristen Wiig's performance in Bridesmaids still sticks with me to this day as does Michelle Williams' work in My Week with Marilyn.

JUSTIN BIEBER TO RECORD CTV & MUCHMUSIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Justin Bieber & Family - February 2011

You better beleibe it!  Justin Bieber will soon be returning to the Homeland to tape a Special called MUCHMUSIC PRESENTS JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  Bieber will be playing back home soon to tape the Special from a secret location which will include Covers of his favourites and also Holiday Classics.  

MuchMusic also is holding a Contest which will fly one Winner and their Friend to see the Secret Taping.  Contest closes December 19, 2011 on MuchMusic's Website.  In addition, proceeds from the Show will go to the Hearththrob's Charity, Believe.

The 30-minute Special airs Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and also 7:30 PM EST at CTV.

Hmm... wonder if Selena might join him on-stage for a Duet?  One can always dream!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

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:

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF DEMI LOVATO'S "UNBROKEN"

Demi Lovato - Unbroken

Many of us including the likes of Selena Gomez, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry, were wowed by the Single Skyscraper from forthcoming third Disc Unbroken. On September 20, 2011, the talented Demi Lovato’s new Album hits stores, promising to be her best effort yet. Mega-producers Timbaland, Ryan Tedder Rock Mafia and Toby Gad have all lent on hand and now Universal Music Canada and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give you a chance to win a copy!

To qualify for the win, you need to “like” Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and leave a comment under the Demo Lovato Contest post with the answer to the following question: “True or false, did Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper sell 176k Downloads in its first week of release?”. Your deadline is Friday, September 23, 2011. Canadian Readers only. Good luck, Mavenati!

Click here to pre-order Unbroken on iTunes today!

Follow me on Twitter.

SELENA GOMEZ IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Selena Gomez in Toronto - August 2011

If you asked me what I thought of Selena Gomez earlier this year, I honestly didn't have much of an opinion on her. Like rapid wildfire though, the 19 year-old has become one of my new favourite Entertainers. I absolutely adored her in this Summer's Monte Carlo alongside the likes of Leighton Meester, Cory Monteith and Katie Cassidy and even more so, her latest Album When the Sun Goes Down from Universal Music Canada, has been on repeat since I discovered it in July.  Who would've known?

Persistently I had sought-out tickets to her sold-out Molson Amphitheatre show last night but had little luck.  Luckily though, two additional Ontario dates have been announced for both Oshawa and Hamilton later this year, so there is hope yet!

Gomez arrived in Toronto on Monday morning along with Boyfriend/Megastar Justin Bieber staying in the City's Yorkville area.  And despite some devout Fans camping outside their Hotel for two days, Gomez was relatively low-key during her stay.  Although some lucky Fans though did score Autographs outside her Hotel yesterday, one luckier Fan spotted the Couple inside their Hotel and got herself a Bieber/Gomez Sandwich Photo (click here to see it)!  Amaze.

SELENA GOMEZ DOMINATES TEEN CHOICE AWARDS WITH FIVE WINS

Selena Gomez at 2011 Teen Choice Awards

Congratulations to one of my new favourites, Selena Gomez for her five wins at this evening's Teen Choice Awards. Gomez's wins include trophies in the following categories: Choice Female Hottie, Music Group, TV Actress, Single (Who Says?) and Love Song (Love You Like a Love Song).

Proud Boyfriend Justin Bieber even showed his support by doing a Robot Dance during her performance of Love You Like a Love Song!

Robert Pattinson also nabbed two awards for his work in what seemed like custom-tailored awards, Choice Vampire and Movie Actor for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Although its official website hasn't yet been updated with a full list of Winners, click here to visit it.

Watch Gomez's performance below:

DEMI LOVATO IN STUDIO WITH TIMBALAND AND MISSY ELLIOTT

Demi Lovato & Timbaland

She's definitely giving it her all!  I cannot tell you how excited I am for this new Demi Lovato album, due September 20, 2011 via Universal Music.  You probably already know how much I love first Single Skyscraper which debuted at number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart based on sales of 176k copies in its first week.  It appears though that despite that track being more Pop-Rock, much of this third Disc will be on the Urban side.

Lovato was just in Miami for a few days laying down some tracks with Super-Producer Timbaland and even Grammy-winning Missy Elliott has been lending a hand too, as per Lovato's Twitter.  The 18 year-old Songstress Tweets, "Listening to so much talent in this studio right now.. Honored to be here! 5:30 am still goin' strong! #WERK!".

I LOVE SELENA GOMEZ

Today is the day I come out of the closet ...and profess my love for Selena Gomez!  The truth is that I have not stopped listening to her Album When the Sun Goes Down since first spinning it a couple weeks ago.

 I don't care how creepy it makes me as a grown Man! Scrambling to see if I can nab a ticket to her sold-out Molson Amphitheatre show at the end of August!  SELENA!!!!

Let's together witness the greatness that is her new Single Love You Like a Love Song, shall we?

SELENA GOMEZ & THE SCENE: WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN - ALBUM REVIEW

Selena Gomez really is coming into her own as a Pop Star. Despite considerable skepticism on my part, I finally gave her third Disc When the Sun Goes Down a whirl and even with my critical guard up, I found myself unable to resist the feel-good vibes the 19 year-old Disney star was emanating in this twelve-track collection of songs.

Current single Love You Like a Love Song cannot be denied. From the same team which brought us Miley Cyrus' See You Again (Rock Mafia), this track's throbbing bassline and a lovelorn moodiness are unforgettable. True to its lyrics, I too "keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat". The production trio also contribute the melancholy gem My Dilemma on the Disc. 

Toby Gad who has had a hand on tracks like Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie) and If I Were a Boy (Beyonce), delivers us a bit of Electro-fun on La Roux-esque romp Bang Bang Bang. He also oversees a collaboration with UK talent Pixie Lott titled We Own the Night, which easily could be a track off a P!nk album. 

NEW MUSIC: DEMI LOVATO - SKYSCRAPER

Official Single Artwork for Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

Damn! Nobody told me that Demi Lovato had it goin' on like that! The Internet is all abuzz with praise for the Disney star's heartbreaking new Single Skyscraper which she herself has called "a plea for help", recorded before she underwent treatment for her Eating Disorder and Self-Mutilation.  "Go on and try to tear me down/I will be rising from the ground/Like a Skyscraper", the 18 year-old sings.  A bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, yes?

I'd put this one right up there with Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway or Katy Perry's Firework.  Yes, it's that good. Composed by a Team of: Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins and Kerli, this Track actually makes me really excited to hear more off her third album.  Maybe I need to re-examine some of her older Catalogue now?

Here's what others are saying about the Track:

MONTE CARLO - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Monte Carlo

Although it might go over the heads of Selena Gomez's main demographic of young Fans, The Family Stone Director Thomas Bezucha delivers a genuinely fun Girls' Night Out with Monte Carlo. Upon graduating from High School, Best Friends Grace (Gomez) and Emma (Katie Cassidy) at last set out for their long-awaited trip to Paris, when at the last moment Grace's Stepsister Maggie (Leighton Meester) is to join along. Matters are complicated when we learn of Grace and Maggie's strained past.

Soon after arriving in Paris, the Girls find themselves disappointed. One rainy night however, they cross paths with an Heiress named Cordelia Winthrop Scott (Gomez) who bears a striking resemblance to Grace. In a case of mistaken identity, Grace, Emma and Maggie find themselves swept-off to Monte Carlo on a glamorous adventure they never had bargained for with Grace being forced to fill the shoes of a spoiled and demanding Cordelia.

While pretending to be Cordelia, Grace is finds herself in possession of a magnificent Bulgari Necklace worth millions of dollars, to be auctioned-off in the name of under-privileged children. She finds herself falling for Theo (Pierre Boulanger) who works for the Charity, and he too falls for her thinking that she in fact is the Heiress. Meanwhile, Emma finds herself contemplating her relationship with impulsive Boyfriend Owen (Cory Monteith) who proposes to her before her trip without a ring. Also, Maggie loses herself in a passionate romance with Australian Tourist Riley (Luke Bracey) who she meets in a chance encounter on the trip.  How will love unfold for each of these three young ladies? And more pressingly, what will become of the three Girls when Cordelia uncovers that Grace has been impersonating her?

ENTER TO WIN A PASS FOR TWO TO SEE "MONTE CARLO"

Join Grace (Selena Gomez), Emma (Katie Cassidy) and Meg (Leighton Meester) as they head to Paris for Vacation and see what antics they get themselves into after Grace is mistaken for a British Heiress!  20th Century Fox releases Monte Carlo on July 1, 2011 and together we want Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers to see it in theatres ... at your own convenience.

That's right, five lucky Readers will win Passes for Two to see Monte Carlo during its run of engagement in theatres. The perfect Girls' Night Out!

Watch the Trailer in full below:

JUSTIN BIEBER ON RED CARPET AT 2011 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Justin Bieber arrives at 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards

Our v. own Justin Bieber despite not being billed as a Guest at this year's MuchMusic Video Awards, arrived as rumoured in support of his Girlfriend Selena Gomez who served as Co-host at the festivities.  Decked-out in a white Suit, a T-shirt and Sunglasses, Bieber flew-in earlier this evening to Toronto, later accepting the Fan-voted Award for Ur Fave Artist.

On the Red Carpet, Bieber told VJ Sarah Taylor, "I’m most excited to see Selena perform tonight. I like her Song (Who Says), it’s a great Song."

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SELENA GOMEZ GREETS FANS AT REHEARSALS FOR MMVAs

Selena Gomez greets Fans at 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards Soundcheck

Cutting it rather close, Selena Gomez just flew into Toronto this evening to do her Soundcheck in preparation for tomorrow's 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards.  Gomez will be Co-hosting the Event in addition to performing her Hit, Who Says.  Unlike last year's Co-host Miley Cyrus who flew in two days prior to the Show, Gomez was busy yesterday doing a Press Junket in New York City for upcoming Comedy Monte Carlo which also stars Glee's Cory Monteith and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester.

And no, there were no Justin Bieber sightings as Gomez traveled to the Venue with her Mother in an SUV.  Fans however were in for a treat as she came out after her Rehearsal, posing for Photos with them and she herself held the Camera herself  in many instances!  She also signed a fair amount of Autographs for Fans, with some leaving the area screaming, "Mission Accomplished!  I got Selena Gomez!!!!!".

The Actress/Singer will up and at 'em early again tomorrow as she puts on the finishing touches to her hosting duties again at Queen x John St.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)