Britney Spears' Big 2011: From A Smash Album To A Ring On Her Finger

A decade into her career, the pop megastar reinvented herself this year as the ultimate Femme Fatale and made a big commitment to Jason Trawick.
By Jocelyn Vena


Britney Spears
Photo: Getty Images

<P>Maybe Britney Spears' lucky number is 30. The singer turned 30 this year, marking the landmark birthday on December 2 with a fan-voted MTV News tournament that crowned the Best Britney Video of All Time. But her 30th year also proved to be an incredibly successful period in her career. <center></center> For the first time in a while, she seemed comfortable being the pop megastar that she is. More than a decade into her career, Spears re-emerged as a Femme Fatale, giving fans a fist-pumping album, embarking on a flashy tour and dropping more memorable music videos. Britney Spears fandom was reenergized as the singer came out of her shell, opening up about this phase in her career as well her personal life in several high-profile interviews. So it's probably not surprising that Spears will cap off the year at #4 on MTV News' Top Newsmakers of 2011 list, just behind Lil Wayne. "When I was younger, I was busy, busy, and I was always singing and dancing all the time. I was just really creative," she recalled in the MTV special "I Am the Femme Fatale." "That's when my mom realized I'm a really creative person." She let that creativity shine over the past 12 months. From "Hold It Against Me" to "Till the World Ends" to her Chris Marrs Piliero-directed "I Wanna Go" and "Criminal," Britney made headlines every time she dropped a music video. But no vid stirred up as much controversy as her "Criminal" clip, which featured real-life boyfriend (now fiancé) Jason Trawick &#8212; and his abs. "At the end of the day, Jason killed it," Piliero told MTV News of Trawick's cameo. "That was one of those things I was really stoked [about], as much as I went into it like, 'Wow, he's not an actor. This is going to be interesting,' but I really do like a challenge, and I really do like the idea that I'm a director and my job is to direct and get the performance. For me, it was a fun challenge to be like, 'I'm gonna make sure that you are awesome,' and he was." Between video shoots, Spears hit the road with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Joe Jonas, and DJ Pauly D. Spears fully embraced her sensuality on the <i>Femme Fatale</i> Tour, a spectacular show full of costume changes, elaborate stage setups and stunning mini-films. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:638813.id:1661123" width="240" height="211"></div><p> And while much of the 2011 VMA buzz was about Beyoncé's baby bump and Jo Calderone, Spears stole the spotlight by walking away with a Moonman for Best Pop Video and the prized Video Vanguard Award. She also had tongues wagging after an onstage kiss from Jo (a.k.a. Lady Gaga), just before she was honored with an electrifying dance tribute that highlighted some of biggest career moments. "It was really crazy. I had no idea what to expect," Spears told us backstage at the VMAs. "The kids were amazing and so entertaining, and it was a really fun night. It was really cool. I was like, 'Wow, that's really sweet!' " As 2011 came to a close, Spears wrapped up her tour, and MTV News threw her a birthday bash in the form of the "30 Videos for 30 Years" tournament. The competition was heated but in the end, Spears' iconic "I'm a Slave 4 U" took home the prize. And just when it seemed things couldn't get any better, Britney confirmed she was engaged to Trawick after dating for two years. She showed off her Neil Lane ring during a celebratory weekend in Las Vegas. <b>MTV continues our Best of 2011 coverage by looking back at the biggest pop-culture stories of the year. As we count down the newsmakers that mattered to you most, also check out our Best Artists, Best Songs, Best MTV Live Performances and Best EDM Artists of 2011.</b></p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1676352/britney-spears-2011-news.jhtml "> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1676352/britney-spears-2011-news.jhtml

Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh Ciara Cindy Crawford Cindy Taylor Cinthia Moura Claudette Ortiz

Lady Gaga Opens Italian Restaurant With Her Dad

Joanne Trattoria named in honor of her late aunt.
By Gil Kaufman


Lady Gaga
Photo: Alo Ceballos/FilmMagic

<P>Lady Gaga is known for being ostentatious, outrageous and making the biggest entrance possible. But for a star that has made her name for shocking our senses, Mother Monster's newest venture is decidedly low-key. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1669247" width="240" height="211"></div><p> After dropping several mentions in interviews over the past few months about a new restaurant she planned to launch with her father, Joseph Germanotta, Joanne Trattoria will finally open its doors on Wednesday. The modest Italian neighborhood eatery on West 68th Street in New York was described by The New York Times as having a "well-stocked bar, a cozy back patio and seating for about 70 people." The walls are covered with scenes of the Tuscan countryside, and near a fireplace at the entrance, diners will see some Germanotta family photos hanging by a front booth. The restaurant will be run by Joseph and Gaga's mother, Cynthia, and her proud pop admitted that his daughter "just generates a lot of sizzle," helping to get the word out about the venture. The chef and partner in the business is Art Smith, who met Gaga at a taping for the "Oprah Winfrey Show." Smith was Winfrey's personal chef for several years. The name was inspired by Joseph's late sister, Joanne, who died of lupus at age 19. Not only is "Joanne" Gaga's middle name, but in a number of interviews the singer has opened up about her strong connection with her late aunt. "I thought I was gonna die," she said last year. "I wanted to be the artists I loved, like Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol -- and I thought the only way to do it was to live the lifestyle. But then I realized my father's sister Joanne, who'd died at 19, had instilled her spirit in me. She was a painter and a poet -- and I had a spiritual vision I had to finish her business." The <I>Times</I> noted that Gaga is not officially a part-owner of the restaurant, which Joseph said the family could have afforded to open even if his daughter had not risen to global fame. It has long been his dream to open the eatery, he said, and visitors at Joanne will dine on "Southern Italian," given that Smith is from the South and the Germanottas are Italian. That means they will chow down on dishes such as "Papa G's chicken," traditional offerings like osso buco inspired by Joanne and "Cynthia's salad," named for Gaga's mother. Hoping to temper fans' expectations, Joseph said he wasn't sure if he'd post current pics of Gaga among the family photos. Maybe, he said, just an old one in which she's not as recognizable. And though he's happy to have his eldest get the word out about the family business, if fans make the trek expecting to see a trophy case with VMAs and Grammys, "It's not going to happen," he warned.</p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677929/lady-gaga-dad-italian-restaurant.jhtml "> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677929/lady-gaga-dad-italian-restaurant.jhtml

Eva Mendes Evangeline Lilly Eve Fergie Foxy Brown Freida Pinto FSU Cowgirls

Michael Jackson's Family Not Out For 'Revenge'

'There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back,' Joe and Katherine Jackson say in a statement read at Conrad Murray hearing.
By Andrea Duncan-Mao, with reporting by Gil Kaufman


Katherine Jackson arrives for the sentencing of Dr. Conrad Murray at the Los Angeles Superior Court on November 29, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Murray was convicted on November 7 for the 2009 death of Jackson from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol and faces up to four years in state prison. (Photo by )
Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images

<P>At Tuesday's (November 29) sentencing hearing for Dr. Conrad Murray &#8212; where Michael Jackson's former personal physician received four years in jail for involuntary manslaughter &#8212; a statement from Jackson's parents was read in court. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:708788.id:1673923" width="240" height="211"></div><p> "We still look at each other in disbelief: Is it really possible he is gone? It is simply against the natural order of things," Joe and Katherine Jackson said in the statement, read by Jackson family attorney Brian Panish. "We are not here to seek revenge. There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back." Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook. Along with Katherine, Michael's siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie were also reportedly in attendance at the hearing. In regards to the sentence, the family said in the statement: "We respectfully request you impose a sentence that reminds physicians they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder." The judge agreed, lamenting that due to a new California law to address overcrowding in prisons, he was unable to sentence Murray to state prison. Stating that Murray practiced "horrible medicine" and had "absolutely no remorse," Judge Michael Pastor declined the defense's motion for probation and handed down the stiffest sentence possible &#8212; four years &#8212; which Murray will most likely serve in a Los Angeles county jail or on home confinement. Upon leaving the courthouse, Michael's brother Jermaine, when asked if the four-year sentence was enough, shook his head and said, "No." Katherine told local TV station KTLA, "Four years is not enough for someone's life. It won't bring him back. But at least he got the maximum, and I thought the judge was very, very fair."</p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675068/conrad-murray-sentencing.jhtml "> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675068/conrad-murray-sentencing.jhtml

Jamie Chung Jamie Gunns Jamie Lynn Sigler Janet Jackson January Jones Jennie Finch Jennifer Aniston

Justin Bieber, Usher Drop Christmas Track

'The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)' debuted on Ryan Seacrest's radio show Monday morning.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber in "Mistletoe"
Photo: Island Def Jam

<P>On November 1, Justin Bieber will take his fans Under the Mistletoe on his holiday album. But he's giving them an early treat by releasing his Usher duet, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," on Monday (October 24). </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="id:1672718" width="240" height="211"></div><p> The song dropped on Ryan Seacrest's radio show. Its vibe is reminiscent of '90s R&B tracks, and it sounds a lot like it could have been recorded by Boyz II Men, who also appear on the album. The Christmas classic is all about the little joys of the holiday season, including the family get-togethers, the food and Santa bringing presents to children. The song, one of the classics that appears on the album, hits iTunes on Monday. Bieber and Usher previously appeared together on "Somebody to Love" off <i>My World 2.0.</i> "Justin and I did the classic record 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.' This record is going to be remembered for years to come," Usher told Seacrest on Monday morning. "It's a record that has always been one of my favorites, and I'm happy that I was able to share it with Justin, and for us to put it out. The album is full of surprises. Justin's <i>Under the Mistletoe</i> is going to be incredible!" In the lead-up to the release, Bieber released some behind-the-scenes footage of his mentor and him in the studio working on the song. He also shared that he had another surprise in store for his fans. Just one week after dropping the video for "Mistletoe," he tweeted, "Up early to shoot another video for #UNDERTHEMISTLETOE #Nov1st but something else is out this morning...." In addition to Usher, <i>Under the Mistletoe</i> will also feature appearances from the Band Perry, Busta Rhymes, Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey, who re-recorded her classic "All I Want for Christmas" for the album. <center></center></p>

Related Videos Related Artists

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1673032/justin-bieber-usher-christmas-song.j... "> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1673032/justin-bieber-usher-christmas-song.j...

Adriana Lima Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott Alessandra Ambrosio

Photos | MTV Buzzworthy Blog: Celebrities In Ridiculously Cheesy Halloween Costumes