However, the irrepressible Williams did manage to get his song out to the masses by performing it for
Jay Leno on 'The Tonight Show' a few days later. Among the banned lyrics:
Are The Hills Still Alive with ... Love?
Last night's season finale of MTV's "The Hills" proved that love never comes easy. Lauren turned down a summer internship in Paris to spend the summer with Jason Wahler. However, it seems nearly impossible to tell if LC and her boy have split, for they remain on-again-off-again. Unlike pictures in the past, they have yet to be shot together (as of mid-July), leaving many to wonder if she should have chosen fashion life over love life.
But fear not -- more episodes of the show have been ordered, so you can expect to catch up on Lauren & Co. at the beginning of next year.
Click here for GOTTA KNOW on "Laguna Beach."
Where has Ashley Judd been lately? I haven't seen her anywhere.
Don't you worry, Dee. Ashley has been around -- just quiet. She was recently seen shopping around New York City, bringing shopping bags back to her hotel room before stepping out in a summery white dress. Professionally, Ashley will be starring in the film "Bug" later this year -- a dramatic thriller that proves "paranoia is contagious." But before that flick is released, expect to see her in the movie "Come Early Morning," which is already generating some of the best reviews.
To catch a glimpse of Ashley and other celebs at a launch party for Cartier's new charity initiative, click on this.
It Was 25 Years Ago Today...
"Ladies and Gentleman...Rock and Roll." Those were the first words uttered on August 1, 1981, when MTV changed not only the face of music, but eventually the entire pop culture landscape. At that time, the concept of a 24 hour music only station was laughed at in some circles. But, those original VJs and early producers made it work.
Interestingly, in the early days MTV focused on rock and roll as those first words suggested. Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" - one of the top videos of the 80s - became the first video MTV aired by a black artist. That "breakthrough" came in 1983. From there Michael Jackson ruled the video airwaves with a string of ground-breaking videos that helped spur the art form, including, of course, the mini-movie "Thriller." Madonna also had a mutually beneficial relationship with early MTV. Even U2, not exactly known for their videos, owes a bit of gratitude as MTV's amazing Live Aid coverage in 1985 showcased the Irish rocker's set at Wembley Stadium launching them on their way to super group status. MTV also helped to mainstream rap music. In 1988, Yo! MTV Raps took hip-hop straight into suburban homes -the very market that would ignite hip-hop record sales into the stratosphere.
Today the network has grown to multiple channels with MTV2, VH1, VH1 Classic and many more. Obviously, they've grown away from their "all music all the time" format. Many say they paved the way for the reality tv wave with shows like the Real World and Road Rules. Of course, others complain that MTV doesn't play enough music. But, from Spring Break coverage to the Unplugged series to Beavis and Butthead to TRL to House of Style, you've got to admit MTV has put out some entertaining programming. And, there's no question they have left an indelible mark on pop culture around the world.
Happy Birthday MTV, here's to 25 more!
VMAs Set to Sizzle
It's a battle between some peppers and a sizzling hip shaker for the most MTV Video Music Awards nominations.
Shakira and the Red Hot Chili Peppers lead the pack with a total of seven noms each. Madonna and Vegas rockers Panic! at the Disco each have five nominations and Christina Aguilera picked up four.
This year's winners will be determined a little differently from past shows. For the first time in VMA history, viewers can vote for their favorites in every category -- rather than just the viewer's choice.
The VMAs will air live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on August 31. Artists and groups already confirmed to perform include Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, T.I., Ludacris, The Killers and Panic! at the Disco.
Cameras caught up with Justin, Beyonce and T.I. as they each spoke about what it's like to perform at the VMAs.
Janet Blacklist?
Fans of Janet Jackson are in a fury over the alleged lack of support MTV is showing their first Icon.
Many posts on Janet's official message board are complaining that MTV has yet to premiere or even announce a date of a debut for the singer's latest video "Call On Me," which was first played on BET last Wednesday. Fans have flooded the MTV.com message boards with tons of Janet support, but, according to these fans, many posts were deleted by a moderator for "obscene, vulgar, abusive or harassing comments."
There is much speculation over why Janet has been "blacklisted" from MTV airplay, but most fingers point to her 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," which was co-produced by MTV, who was fined by the FCC for the mishap.
Calls to MTV were not immediately returned.
MTV Says Madonna & Britney Broke the Rules
In 1989 Madonna's video for "Like a Prayer" was considered extremely controversial. It featured burning crosses and Madonna kissing a black Christ-like figure. How times have changed. Today that same video has landed her Madgesty on top of MTV UK's list of the 100 Videos That Broke the Rules.
Britney Spears' sexy schoolgirl antics in "Baby One More Time" makes it to number two, and Michael Jackson's 14-minute zombie epic "Thriller" moonwalks into the third spot.
Madonna, whose "Justify My Love" video was banned by MTV in 1990, also has two other videos in the top 10 with "Vogue" at number 5 and "Ray of Light" at number 4.
MTV compiled the list by polling 10,000 viewers and will play the entire 100 videos as part of its 25th Anniversary (yikes!) on August 1st.
Weezer Undone
Rivers Cuomo has broken the hearts of indie fans the world over with his announcement to MTV that Weezer is on hiatus, possibly forever.
"Really, for the moment, we are done. I'm not certain we'll make a record again, unless it becomes really obvious to me that we need one done" Rivers told MTV.
Maybe marriage and having a college degree had something to do with Rivers' decision. Life changes such as those tend to make a person re-evaluate his or her direction. Or possibly he decided to bow out using the old entertainment saying "leave them wanting more". Either way, it leaves fans perplexed with this sudden decision.
While he left the door slightly ajar for more music (he tells MTV he's been writing new music like mad), he isn't going to be going solo any time soon. Of the new songs, he says "I certainly don't see them becoming Weezer songs and I don't really see the point of a solo career."
Whatever happens, Weezer fans will be on the edge of their seats awaiting Rivers' musical return.
Cast Member Gets Taste of the 'Real World'
CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) -- A cast member on MTV's "The Real World" was arraigned on a misdemeanor assault charge after police said she bit her boyfriend during a domestic dispute.
Paula Ann Meronek, 25, allegedly bit her boyfriend several times when he refused to let her into their home early Sunday morning, police said. "I think it was an argument that led to one thing then another," said Cromwell Police Chief Anthony Salvatore. "He attempted to keep her from the house. It got physical and we were contacted." Meronek, who was arraigned Monday, was charged with third-degree assault, which carries a potential penalty of a year in prison. She is due back in court Aug. 11. No lawyer was listed in court documents.
Her boyfriend, John Alyward, was charged with disorderly conduct. The arrest was first reported by The Middletown Press. "The Real World," now in its 17th season, puts seven strangers together in an exotic locale -- this time in a Key West, Fla., beach house.
A call to the show's producer was not immediately returned.
The "Real World" Could Be All Yours
You may not have been one of the seven picked to live in the house, but you can still own a piece of the "Real World."
StarStyle.com has launched an auction of furniture, artwork and bedding from MTV's "Real World: Key West" house.
The "supersite" will feature exclusive items from the tropical home each week for five weeks.
To bid on items used by Svetlana, Tyler and the rest of the cast from the series' 17th (really?) season go to www.StarStyle.com
J.Lo's "Moves"
Jennifer Lopez made an appearance as the surprise performer at this weekend's Gay Pride Pier Dance in NYC.
Rumored recently to be pregnant, it was apparent to those in attendance that her moves on stage would definitely be discouraged by any physician for a woman who is with child. Not to mention the fact that she looked stunning and showed no traces of any baby bump. Mrs. Marc Anthony tore it up for the New York gays and was accompanied by some dancers from her new MTV reality show "Moves."
The show, shot in Los Angeles, gives a glimpse into the real lives of dancers, all chosen by La Lopez herself, struggling to follow their dreams. Jenny From the Block's career took its first great leap to stardom when she was chosen to be a Fly Girl on the long-running hit "In Living Color." One thing you may not know, she didn't make the Fly Girl cut initially. It was only after another dancer dropped out that she got the gig.
Lopez hopes "Moves" will showcase just how tough the life of a dancer can be. The show is set to air as part of MTV's fall lineup.
Related Video
J. Lo Honored in Hollywood
Celeb spotlight
Jennifer Lopez
Wilmer Goes Behind the Scenes for 'EXTRA'
EXTRA' has obtained hilarious home video of Wilmer Valderrama taping himself on his recent trip to MTV's 'TRL' to record a segment promoting his new show, 'Yo Momma.'
Check local listings for when 'EXTRA' airs.
Censored in 2005
While 2005 was plenty of fun, it did have the misfortune to follow censorship panic-laden 2004: the year of Janet's boob. Some of that backlash continued on into 2005 and kept pulses racing, censors fainting and corporate sponsors dropping the axe.
Without further ado, the top five censored moments of 2005:
Robin Williams at the Academy Awards
The Three Little Pigs aren't kosher, Betty Boop works Beverly Hills.
Superman is hooked on steroids, Tinky Wink (sic) is in the pink
Damn it to hell, wake up and smell the stink beneath the ink.
Chip 'n' Dale both are strippers, Scrooge McDuck is really tight
Bugs Bunny's a cross-dresser, Snow White has been up all night.
There's something fishy about Nemo, Batman & Robin share a sink
Winnie the Pooh, we know what he's into. The stink beneath the ink."
Audio
Songwriter Marc Shaiman's demo version of 'Stink Beneath the Ink'
Celeb spotlight
Robin Williams
Although his most famous outburst of 2005 (on NBC's Katrina telethon) wasn't censored at all, outspoken rapper Kanye West did have his share of artistic troubles to overcome. MTV and many FM radio stations censored many of his most popular songs including 'All Falls Down' and 'Gold Digger.' Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Kanye commented on his 'controversial' lyrics, saying, "On MTV, when they played 'All Falls Down,' they bleep out where it says 'And the white man gets paid off of all of that.' And on Canadian radio, I found out that on 'Gold Digger,' they bleep out when I say 'Leave your ass for a white girl.' I understand the word 'ass.' But white girl? That line would only be offensive to black guys that left their black girlfriends for white women. But I don't have anything against interracial relationships. If that's what you want to do, that's what you're going to do. I just talked about it."
Music videos
Kanye West
One of the biggest surprises of 2005 was an insider's look at the craft of stand-up comedy, a shockingly offensive documentary called 'The Aristocrats.' The film features 100 of the top comedians in the world all telling the same joke, while delighting in who can deliver it in the absolute raunchiest way possible. In the course of exploring the filthiest way to tell the joke, a clear picture develops about what Americans find funny and what Americans find uncomfortable.
Unfortunately for 'The Aristocrats,' the national theater chain AMC refused to show the movie in any of its 3,500-plus screens. The theater company tried to avoid an overt ban, by claiming the film had a very limited appeal, causing comedian and co-producer Penn Jillette to comment to MSNBC, "It's the kind of thing that makes you go 'Come on, play fair.' It's not like we're trying to slide this by anybody by calling it 'Love Bug 2: Herbie Takes It Up the A--'."
Video
'Aristocrats' Trailer
Pamela Anderson's Pole Dance
In reponse to the uproar, NBC released the following statement: "We believed the content was not appropriate for 8PM / 7 Central time and decided to pull the song from the special." The opinions of millions of teenage boys notwithstanding, they may have been onto something.
Celeb spotlight
Pam Anderson
Paris Hilton's Carl's Jr. Commercial
While only a 30-second version of the ad enjoyed a brief television run, the hubbub was so great that Carl's Jr. parent corporation, CKE Restaurants, put up a website devoted to the full, uncut 60-second version of the spot which was deemed far too hot for TV at SpicyParis.com. Oh, and then there was the parody (also on the same above web page), which we found almost as entertaining.
Video
The 30-second version of Paris' commerical
Paris Hilton