'American Idol' Elimination Episode Crushes TV Competition

'Idol' puts up biggest non-sports Thursday ratings numbers since 2007.
By Gil Kaufman

Steven Tyler holds up his swear sign on "American Idol"
Photo: FOX

Simon who? Perhaps putting to rest any fears that "American Idol" would nosedive without iconic judge Simon Cowell, Thursday night's first elimination episode of season 10 put up some stellar numbers for the singing competition.

On a night when most of the competition on rival networks consisted of reruns (including, count 'em, six episodes in a row of "The Office" on NBC!) after the vaults were emptied last month during sweeps, "Idol" raked in 25 million viewers to win the ratings crown. In fact, the impressive numbers for "Idol" gave Fox the most-watched non-sports Thursday night number of any network over the past four years.

The two-hour extravaganza, which not only shaped the top 10, but also featured six performances by singers vying to score three wild card spots — not to mention the debut of judge Jennifer Lopez's "On the Floor" music video — was a 29 percent increase from last season's first elimination night, according to Billboard.

With an 8.1 rating in the 18 to 49 demo, numbers were also up 13 percent over last Thursday's "AI" episode. As you might expect, ratings climbed during the pivotal final half-hour of the broadcast, going from 25.96 million between 9 and 9:30 p.m. to 26.66 million for the final half-hour.

The good ratings news bodes well for the start of live competition next week, when new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez will have to finally show their stuff during two real-time broadcasts a week after charming viewers during the season's pre-taped episodes.

Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday on MTV.com, following the "American Idol" results show, for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Related Videos

• 'Idol Party Live' With MTV News' Jim Cantiello

Related Photos

• 'American Idol' Season 10 Performances
• 'American Idol' Season 10 Top 24

Mary Elizabeth Winstead Adrianne Curry

Britney Spears Unveils Official Femme Fatale Track Listing

Spears will release two versions of the album on March 29.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears' <i>Femme Fatale</i>
Photo: Jive

With less than a month until the release of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale, the singer is giving fans an official sneak peek at the track listing of both the regular album and the deluxe version.

Spears appeared on Ryan Seacrest's radio show on Friday to talk about the album and its second single, "Till the World Ends." " 'Till the World Ends' is fun! It's fun. I like it. It's good energy," she said of the track, which was written by fellow pop tart Ke$ha. "I'm a vibe person, and I think I love good-mood songs, and if it puts me in a good mood, it clicks for me."

A leaked version of the track listing hit the Net earlier this week, but now that it's on Britney's website, we know it's for real:

1. "Till the World Ends" (Produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Billboard)
2. "Hold It Against Me" (Produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Co-produced by Billboard)
3. "Inside Out" (Produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Billboard)
4. "I Wanna Go" (Produced by Max Martin and Shellback)
5. "How I Roll" (Produced by Bloodshy, Henrik Jonback and Magnus)
6. "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" featuring Sabi (Produced by Benny Blanco, Ammo, JMIKE and Billboard)
7. "Seal It With a Kiss" (Produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Dream Machine)
8. "Big Fat Bass" featuring will.i.am (Produced by will.i.am)
9. "Trouble for Me" (Produced by Fraser T Smith)
10. "Trip to Your Heart" (Produced by Bloodshy, Henrik Jonback and Magnus)
11. "Gasoline" (Produced by Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco)
12. "Criminal" (Produced by Max Martin and Shellback)

The deluxe version of the album will include these four additional tracks:

13. "Up N' Down" (Produced by Max Martin, Shellback and Oligee)
14. "He About to Lose Me" (Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins)
15. "Selfish" (Produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee)
16. "Don't Keep Me Waiting" (Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins)

Related Videos

• MTV First: Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Premiere

Related Photos

• The Sexiest Moment From Every Britney Spears Video
• Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Pop-Culture References

Related Artists

• Britney Spears

Ashley Scott Brittany Snow Pink Rose McGowan Hayden Panettiere

Kim Kardashian's Music-Making: Inspired By Kanye

Maggie Grace Bridget Moynahan Yamila Diaz Cat Power Brooke Burns

The goal of the CPPCC: ?Make people happy?

Only six percent of Chinese people see themselves as happy, reports China Daily of a recent survey released on Monday. This is despite the government's recent efforts to improve the population's sense of happiness through new economic and social policies.

This statistic is in line though with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao?s statements ahead of the start of the Fourth Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body.

read more

Joanna Krupa Kelly Ripa Kelly Monaco Michelle Malkin Kim Yoon jin

Kendra Wilkinson: Arrives for DWTS Practice

Looking super excited for her ?Dancing With the Stars? dance rehearsal, Kendra Wilkinson was spotted arriving at the ABC Studios earlier today (March 4).

The reality TV star smiled politely for the paparazzi while munching on a healthy snack before heading inside to get her dance on.

Tweeting about the past couple of days, Kendra recently wrote, ?Long days begin now! Takin a little nap between rehearsals...?

Don?t miss the season 12 premiere of ?DWTS? coming up on Monday, March 21.

Melania Trump Tricia Vessey Katie Cassidy Ciara Amber Brkich

Celebrity Online Bra Auction

A charity auction with a difference will take place later this month when members of the public will have the opportunity to purchase bras decorated by their favourite celebrities.
The bras have been donated by Triumph and dozens of female celebrities have been given the task of showing their artistic flair by decorating them in a [...]

Maggie Grace Bridget Moynahan Yamila Diaz Cat Power Brooke Burns

Britney Spears - Circus

Circus

• Artist: Britney Spears
• Label: Jive
• Album: Circus

Camilla Belle Jennifer Love Hewitt Elena Lyons Marisa Coughlan Vinessa Shaw

Celebrity Scandals: Gossip Center

Eva Longoria Jaime King Donna Feldman Mandy Moore Drea de Matteo

Paris Hilton Alleged Cocaine Bust In Las Vegas Was Paris Arrested With Cocaine?Celebrity Drunks And Drug Addicts Caught In The Act! Busted Celebrity Drug Addicts Alcoholics Crack and Cocaine Celebrity Users at WastedCelebrity.com

Dominique Swain Jaime Pressly Catherine Bell Padma Lakshmi Eve

Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Muse Added To Grammy Show

Usher, Jaden Smith, B.o.B, Janelle Monae and Lady Antebellum will also perform on February 13.
By Gil Kaufman

Justin Bieber and Usher
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

While Willow Smith is the one who made music headlines with "Whip My Hair" last year, it's her brother, "Karate Kid" actor Jaden Smith, who will take the stage at the upcoming 53rd Grammy Awards in a special performance alongside Usher and Justin Bieber, with whom he collaborated on the song "Never Say Never" last summer.

The trio joins a list of new performers added to the show on Thursday (January 20) that will also include another power trifecta made up of B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe, according to a press release from the Recording Academy announcing the additions to the February 13 telecast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Also taking the stage next month will be nominees Muse and Lady Antebellum. They will join a roster of previously announced performers that includes Eminem, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire, Cee Lo Green and Miranda Lambert. It will be the first time on the Grammy performance stage for Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse and Smith. Eminem, Green, Gaga, Perry, Usher and Lady Antebellum will be making return visits for the occasion.

While 11-time Grammy winner Eminem leads the pack in nominations this year (with 10 nods), Mars has seven nominations, and Gaga and Lady Antebellum are not far behind with six nods each. B.o.B has notched five, Perry and Green are each up for four, and Arcade Fire and Lambert are vying for three awards. Bieber, Muse, Usher and Monáe are each nominated for two Grammys.

No details of the collaborative performances were released, but the Grammy announcement promised a rare, never-before-seen event for the Mars, B.o.B and Monáe segment.

With the addition of Antebellum, all five Album of the Year nominees (Eminem, Arcade Fire, Gaga, Perry) are now scheduled to perform on the show. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

Which Grammy performance are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments!

Related Photos

• 2011 Grammy Performers

Related Artists

• Usher
• Janelle Monae
• B.o.B
• Justin Bieber
• Muse

Giulianna Ramirez Nicky Hilton Jessica Cauffiel Rachel Nichols Chandra West

Has Charlie Sheen?s Obituary Already Been Written?

Despite Charlie Sheen‘s “winning” attitude, there are rumors going around that media outlets have already written up the man’s obituary should tragedy strike due to his behavior of late. For the past week, Charlie Sheen has been giving interviews left and right, seemingly exposing an unsettling craziness that he has managed to keep relatively hidden. [...]

Yamila Diaz Cat Power Brooke Burns Rachel Weisz Anna Kournikova

SNOOP DOGG WANTS TO TRY SMOKING CHARLIE SHEEN'S WEED!!

Ana Paula Lemes Pamela Anderson Sophia Bush Leelee Sobieski Kelly Rowland

Ke$ha's 'Blow' Director Addresses Lady Gaga 'Unicorn' Flap

Unicorn cameos in 'Born This Way' and 'Blow' videos is 'just weird coincidence,' Chris Marrs Piliero tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena

Ke$ha in her video for "Blow"
Photo: RCA

The brand-new videos for Ke$ha's "Blow" and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" couldn't be more different. But fans on the Web have been comparing the clips, thanks to a special cameo the two videos have in common. With unicorns appearing in both "Blow" and "BTW," some Gaga fans are accusing the K-Dollar of stealing from their Mother Monster.

But MTV News spoke to "Blow" director Chris Marrs Piliero, who explained that it's pure coincidence his video and the Nick Knight-directed video both feature unicorns.

"It's very odd. It's one of those weird things, and I think a lot of people on the Internet don't grasp the sense of time [that goes into making videos]. Some Gaga fans, they don't realize that just because it was announced there might be a unicorn [in Gaga's video], it's like, we didn't film the video after that announcement," he said.

"It's like [the movies] 'Dante's Peak' and 'Volcano' and then there was 'Armageddon' and 'Deep Impact.' I don't know, I know when things like that happen when I was a part of the audience, I was like, 'That's weird and fishy,' but now being on the other side, it's just weird coincidences," he explained. "What are the odds of that?"

In fact, Piliero had a gut feeling that he should use unicorns many, many moons ago and he thought Ke$ha was the right artist to join with the mythological creatures onscreen.

"Ke$ha was looking to make kind of something different, a video that was cool and random, and I had this idea running in my head with just the idea of unicorns," he recalled. "If I massacred unicorns, they could bleed rainbows. I'm a fan of violence and I'm always trying to find a way to make it OK."

The rainbow-spewing unicorns weren't the only cameo that Piliero hoped to nab. He also wanted "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek to appear in the clip. "He's such an awesome guy. He was down for it," he said. "He had seen the Black Keys video [I shot] and he was stoked on the idea. It was so much fun. He and Ke$ha kind of went for all the craziness. I think he has a fantastic comic side. He's good at being naturally funny. It's about the delivery."

Ke$ha, of course, was onboard for all the zaniness. "Before we started filming, we had quite a few talks. She was adamant you can't back away from the crazy; everything about the idea she loved and she enforced the fact that she wanted to embrace every aspect of it and really go for it," he recalled. "On set, she was having fun. She was like, 'I want to lick a unicorn.' It was rad working with her because there definitely wasn't a sense of her feeling awkward about stuff or detached; no ego. It felt like we had worked together before."

Which video do you prefer: "Blow" or "Born This Way"? Tell us in the comments!

Related Artists

• Ke$ha

Gwen Stefani Tessie Santiago Daniella Alonso Tatiana Zavialova Monica Potter

Lady Gaga?s ?Government Hooker? Debuts At Fashion Show

Lady Gaga has made her debut as a runway model and hit the catwalk for Mugler’s Paris Women’s Fashion Week show.
Gaga worked it in two contrasting outfits – a sheer black minidress, and a white number, accompanied by what looked liked a flattened lamp shade on her head. And the obligatory mile-high heels, naturally.
Nicole Richie Autumn Reeser Aki Ross Gina Gershon Ashley Tappin

Spice Girls Trash New Album Claims

Rumours are rife that the Spice Girls are divided over plans to release an album of unheard tracks.
The Daily Mirror reports that members Mel B and Mel C are keen to release an LP of previously-recorded material, out of 60 tracks recorded over the past 15 years.
But Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton and Geri ...

Carmen Electra LeAnn Rimes Alicia Witt Natalie Imbruglia Sarah Gellman

Usher - Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains

• Artist: Usher
• Label: LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group
• Director: The Brothers Strauss
• Album: Here I Stand

Paris Hilton Tyra Banks Melissa Joan Hart Deanna Russo Shakira

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Zombie Pop Stars

MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Zombie Pop Stars

Related Artists

• Ke$ha
• Lady Gaga
• Justin Bieber
• Katy Perry
• Kanye West

Christina Aguilera Sanaa Lathan Rachel Blanchard Carmen Electra LeAnn Rimes

Britney Spears Explains Her Definition Of Femme Fatale

'The bitch is back and better than ever!' the pop singer jokingly declares in her new V magazine cover story.
By Jocelyn Vena

Britney Spears
Photo: V Magazine

Britney Spears' spread in V magazine finally hit newsstands on Thursday (March 3). In the cover story, in which Spears opens up about her forthcoming album, Femme Fatale, the star also chats about what qualities define that mysterious type of woman.

She says, "[A femme fatale is] a woman who is sexy and strong, dangerous and mysterious, cool and confident."

As displayed in a number of song teases and even first single "Hold It Against Me," Femme Fatale certainly has an emphasis on club bangers. And Spears reveals in the V chat which tune off the album she's most looking forward to having fans hear. "I really love 'On the Rocks' because it sounds so different from anything I have ever heard," she explains. "It's so cool and quirky."

The decision to make a dance record mostly came from Spears, who admits that she prefers to make tunes that will get fans out on the floor. "I like music that makes you move and connects with your soul. I like to feel inspired right away when I listen to new music," she says. "I always have songs being sent to me from new artists and producers from all over the world, which is really cool. From there I just follow my heart."

Spears certainly has a strong message for her fans, and perhaps even for the critics who may wonder if the star still has what it takes to compete in an overpopulated pop universe. Her message for them: "That the bitch is back and better than ever!"

She continues, "I love making new music for my fans, I love performing for my fans, and most importantly, I love my fans. I am so lucky to have their support. They drive me."

Also in the issue, Spears talks about the media scrutiny she's endured in recent years, as well as discussing her life now as both a pop star and a mom to her two young sons. "I'm past all of that. I try to block it all out and not pay attention to anything they write about me in the magazines or online. I'm done with that," she explains. "I think it's easier to let people in when you're younger, but when I became a mother I wanted more privacy for myself and my children. A life away from my life."

Spears insists that she has no plans to fade into obscurity anytime soon, while admitting that she would focus on motherhood if she had never become a pop star. "I'd be a full-time mom, which would be cool. I'd miss my fans and all of the love the most, but I definitely would not miss having my picture taken everywhere I go," she says. :I wouldn't miss showering in arenas either. So gross!"

So how would she like to be remembered in the future? "[I hope my legacy is] two amazing boys and a lot of music that hopefully brings a lot of people a lot of happiness," she explains.

What do you think about Britney's comments to V magazine? Tell us in the comments.

Related Videos

• MTV First: Britney Spears' 'Hold It Against Me' Premiere

Related Photos

• Britney Spears In V Magazine

Related Artists

• Britney Spears

Ciara Amber Brkich Avril Lavigne Ana Paula Lemes Pamela Anderson

Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder ARE Dating!

LaineyGossip has an exclusive scoop on what is going on between Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev! “The two were out on Valentine?s Day together for dinner at a restaurant called Parish in the Virginia Highlands around Atlanta. Observers saw the two ?canoodling?. They were nice and pleasant but tried not to invite attention and focused [...]

Larissa Meek Moon Bloodgood Emmanuelle Vaugier Dido Vanessa Marcil

Lil Wayne's '6 Foot 7 Foot' Video Premieres

Highly anticipated clip debuted on MTV.com Thursday morning.
By Alvin Blanco

Lil Wayne in the "6 Foot 7 Foot" video
Photo: Young Money

While Lil Wayne's highly anticipated video for his single "6 Foot 7 Foot" makes its on-air premiere on MTV Thursday night (March 3) at 7:54 p.m. ET, fans got a surprise early look at the video when it made its online debut on MTV.com in the morning.

The colorful video features cameos from members of the Young Money roster, including Lil Twist and Jae Millz as well as Bronx-bred rapper Cory Gunz, who handles the song's third verse. The inclusion of Gunz, who signed to Young Money last year, was a strategic move by Weezy to give the young MC a high-profile introduction similar to those given to past signees like Nicki Minaj and Drake.

The clip takes cues from the Oscar-winning Christopher Nolan film "Inception", incorporating similar slow-motion, dreamlike sequences. The song's plethora of punch lines also serve as inspiration in the video. For example, Weezy is seen reaching for what looks like a flying brain ("I lost my mind. It's somewhere out there stranded"), literally whispering into his own ear ("Talking to myself 'cause I am my own consultant") and standing at a podium ("I speak the truth but I guess that's a foreign language to y'all").

"6 Foot 7 Foot," produced by Bangladesh, is the lead single off the New Orleans MC's forthcoming album Tha Carter IV, due in stores later this year.

Tune in to "Rapfix Live" Thursday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com for a special behind-the-scenes look at the "6 Foot 7 Foot" video.

Related Videos

• MTV First: Lil Wayne's '6 Foot 7 Foot'

Related Artists

• Lil Wayne

Nikki Reed Lindsay Price Tamala Jones Emma Heming Susie Castillo

Photos! Rihanna Is Down Under Buying Sex Toys

INF Daily caught up with Rihanna out shopping in Australia. She wasn’t at the usual stores however – this time she paid a visit to a place called The Tool Shed and bought 2 large bags worth of sex�paraphernalia. It’s not terribly scandalous considering her latest single is called S&M. What Rihanna bought is anyone’s [...]

Leeann Tweeden America Ferrera Julie Berry Samaire Armstrong Christina Ricci

Highest paid movie stars

It is fair to say that enrolling the biggest ‘A’ list box office stars to appear in your new movie will almost certainly generate more interest from the media and public alike, but does it always result in the movie being a box office smash.
The best paid actor in 2010 was Johnny Depp, definitely one [...]

Katharine McPhee Kelly Hu Amerie Tamie Sheffield Maria Sharapova

Denise Richards: Charlies Too Risky for Our Kids

[Story ID: 48579] Filed under: Denise Richards, Charlie Sheen, Celebrity Justice, Dirty Divorces Denise Richards will not let her two kids near Charlie Sheen because she thinks it’s just too risky … sources tell TMZ. Denise, we’re told, is “disgusted” with Charlie and the way he’s living, and believes he would put 6-year-old Sam and [...]

Taryn Manning Rachel Bilson Carrie Underwood Busy Philipps Ivanka Trump

Olivia Wilde is Single

   Olivia Wilde and her husband Bastardo Luckiestando (I’m guessing here.) have officially separated. People has the exclusive:
“They have been living apart after trying for quite some time to make their relationship work,&#8...

Avril Lavigne Ana Paula Lemes Pamela Anderson Sophia Bush Leelee Sobieski