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1.) Leave it to Lady Gaga to be so fashionably ahead of the time -- she's gracing two different covers of the January 2012 Elle UK. The future is here! (ONTD)

2.) Justin Bieber's "All I Want For Christmas" video preview from his Under The Mistletoe album dropped yesterday, and the only question we really have: How's Santa handling the singer's domination of this year's holiday season? (Neon Limelight)

3.) If Nicki Minaj's personal style is a tad too eccentric for your everyday wardrobe, just get your nails done with a new nail polish line inspired by the rapper's quirky flavor. (MTV Style)

4.) Puppies, rainbows and the sweetest things in the world may come to mind when you look at Selena Gomez. But brace yourself -- girl's all about her naughty side in her new, more risque movie role. (Hollywood Crush)

5.) Demi Lovato dishes about who the most emotional single of 2011, "Skyscraper," was written about. Hint: It's not really about tall buildings, guys. (Hollywood Life)

6.) In case you need proof that Hanson is all grown up, they're launching their own line of beer cleverly named Mmmhop. That might win best (if not tastiest) wordplay of the year. (Prefix)

7.) Amy Winehouse will always be missed, but fans can fondly remember her haunting voice in a newly released track, "Between the Cheats." (Entertainment Weekly)

8.) Looks like Beyoncé has a case of baby brain (it really happens!) and got goofy in an outtake from her "Countdown" video. Don't worry, she still looks STUNNING as a jokester. (Us Magazine)

9.) In celebration of Britney Spears upcoming 30th birthday, MTV.com pinned the pop princess' videos against each other to crown the ultimate video of her career thus far -- now, find out the final four! (MTV News)

10.) Winter blues creeping up on you already? Here's a thorough list of songs promising to make people forever happy. Cheer up! (BuzzFeed)

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Tags 10 Things To Know Now, Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Hanson, justin bieber, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez

Oh hey! I'm Sam Lansky, music journalist extraordinaire, and I had a poster of 98 Degrees dressed as firefighters on my bedroom wall as a little boy. (Did I say "dressed"? Because what I actually mean is "undressed.") It's Thursday, and you know what that means — time for an extra-strength dose of Pop Think, no prescription necessary.

Up this week: the possible return of the boy band to domestic shores, which I'd call a cause for celebration. But after a decade largely devoid of cheesy boy band deliciousness, are Americans ready for another boy band invasion?

The Wanted is pop princess-approved! Credit: @britneyspears

After the boy band boom at the turn of the millennium, when groups like Hanson, Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC ruled the airwaves, things have gone relatively quiet on the boy band front -- at least Stateside, with the occasional exception of all-male pop-punk and emo outfits such as Good Charlotte and Fall Out Boy, and Disney tween pop megastars like the Jonas Brothers.

But overseas, the boy band phenomenon never really went away. In the U.K., Westlife and Take That continued to enjoy massive success throughout the '90s, and more recent discoveries such as JLS, One Direction, and The Wanted just keep the boy band relevant with hook-laden singles and endearingly goofy dance moves. (Is it just me or is there something like, intrinsically comical about a group of hot guys dancing in unison? Even if it's visually mesmerizing, I often find myself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of dudes with chiseled jawlines and ripped abs dancing to a four-on-the-floor beat, their bodies in perfect synchronicity.)

Record labels seem to think that the United States is ready for a big boy band return -- or at least they're gambling on it, with news of new groups launching every day. Former *NSYNC member Lance Bass is mentoring a new boy band Heart2Heart, whose 2Ge+her-like video for their first single, "Facebook Official," walks a VERY fine line between parody and sincerity. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga super-producer RedOne has launched his own boy band venture as well called Midnight Red. Five meticulously coiffed dudes in skinny jeans belt out dance-pop bangers with names like "One Club At A Time." (Whether or not the club can handle Midnight Red remains to be seen.)

The most promising boy band on the horizon for Americans, though, has to be The Wanted, who have carved out a serious niche in the U.K. market with devastatingly catchy pop and an image that seems carefully calculated to project just the right balance of masculinity and sensitivity. It works, too. They're as convincing singing lovelorn ballads like "Heart Vacancy" as they are at the helm of synth-fueled house-pop such as "Lightning."

+ Read more about the return of boy bands after the jump.

Read more...

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Tags Backstreet-Boys, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, Hanson, Jonas Brothers, NSync, Pop Think, Take That, The Wanted, Westlife

Credit: Getty Images

Saying that the year 1997 changed my life because I was a young teen and first heard Hanson's "MMMBop" would not even be exaggerating. No need to get into personal territory, but let's just say I've had a on the verge of obsessive mad crush on Taylor Hanson for like, more than 10 years. WHATEVER, I'll save that for my shrink.

Hanson stopped by VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" and were the best sports ever when they played the song most requested by their Twitter fans live -- "MMMBop." But can you blame the fans? As addictive as their Shout It Out songs "Thinking Bout Somethin'" and "Give A Little" are, everyone always wants to hear "MMMBop." Ask my ringtone.

Also, endless amount of props to these dudes. Can you even imagine the number of times Hanson has played "MMMBop"? Probably more than the amount of times I've tried to find Taylor Hanson's address online, which is... more than I'm willing to share.

+ Watch Hanson perform "MMMBop" live on VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" below, and catch their performances of "Thinking Bout Somethin'" and "Give A Little" after the jump.

Read more...

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Tags Hanson, video

So, you might already know that former "Malcolm In The Middle" star Frankie Muniz graduated from the small screen to go on to be a racecar driver. Yes, a professional one. (If you didn't know that, now you do.) In addition to that career leg, nowadays he's in a band. You Hang Up is a pop-rock foursome based out of Phoenix, and Frankie is on the drums. And you know who taught him the drums? Zac Hanson. Yes, of the band Hanson. IDK guys, life is weird sometimes.

In a new interview with Punk Videos Rock, a tattooed (!) Frankie sits down with his band members to discuss You Hang Up's upcoming album, Lies, as well as life on the road. And kids, we just need to warn you -- You Hang Up has named their tour bus. And they have named it something that wouldn't necessarily get bleeped on TV, but you don't want to go asking your mom about it. You're going to have to peep the video to hear what we're talking about.

Also in the interview, we find out that Frankie Muniz is losing his hair. I'm not even being mean, he says so himself. When he talks to the host about how being in a band is like a full-time job, Frankie replies, "Literally, I'm like, losing my hair," as he points to his head.

Hilary Duff (aka little Lizzie McGuire) is pregnant, and Frankie "Malcolm" Muniz is balding, guys. Excuse me while I schedule my next Botox appointment.

+ Watch You Hang Up's interview with Punk Videos Rock.

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Tags Frankie Muniz, Hanson, You Hang Up

Credit: Getty

+ Justin Timberlake, whom as you know took an ownership stake in Myspace, is considering a talent contest as a way of reviving the site. A little "American Idol" meets "The Social Network"? We like it, JT. (Rolling Stone)

+ Chicago inmate Clayton Hill claims to know the identity of The Notorious B.I.G.'s murderer. Count us among the long list of those who would love to have that case cracked, right after Diddy. It IS suspect, though, that the inmate happens to have an e-book out this month. (TheFABlife)

+ Eminem's "Recovery" pulls 1 million downloads! AND, he became the first artist to sell a million digital copies of an album. Once again, Slim Shady proves he's one tough act to follow. (AceShowbiz)

+ Speaking of album sales, Lady Gaga slams claims she's using the gay community to boost hers. She reminds us collectively that she represents the "B" in LGBT, lest you forget, heathens. GEEZ. (The Advocate)

+ In a meeting of the eye shadow-appreciating minds, Alice Cooper rolled up and made a surprise appearance at Ke$ha's concert in Norway last night. Afterward, she tweeted, "Thanx for coming to Oslo to do 'Schools Out' with me dad. Legend. F***ING Legend." (NME)

+ And, in your big boy band news of the day, Hanson has revealed their 2011 tour dates! Mmm-bop on over with your calendar in hand! (Idolator)

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Tags Alice Cooper, Biggie Smalls, Buzz Bites, Eminem, Hanson, Justin Timberlake, Kesha, Lady Gaga

Credit: Film Magic

+ Madonna's manager Guy Oseary confirmed via Twitter that the singer is headed to the studio in July to begin work on a new album. That's how you remain a pop icon, ladies and gents. (Idolator)

+ We knew we hadn't seen the last of Lady Gaga's famous meat dress. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland is putting the dress on display for one day only this Thursday as part of their "Women Who Rock" exhibit. You don't just let a dress like that go to the dogs. (ONTD)

+ Is Jennifer Lopez returning as a judge on the next season of "American Idol"? Even she doesn't know: "I haven't been forced to make a decision and I'm glad about that because honestly I'm very on the fence about it." (TheFABlife)

+ Looks like Ke$ha graduated from the Taylor Momsen School Of Going Pants-less In Public. The singer showed up to the amfAR Inspiration Gala in NYC this week wearing only the back half of her dress. (Buzznet)

+ "We were flattered to be asked, and it was great to be a part of it," Taylor Hanson said about Hanson playing the house band in Katy Perry's latest video, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)." As for what it takes to get them to play your house party? "We work for Twizzlers and good times." (MTV News)

+ Bruce Springsteen issued a statement thanking fans for all of their support while E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons recovers from a stroke. "This is a time for us all to share in a hopeful spirit that can ultimately inspire Clarence to greater heights." (PopEater)

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Tags Bruce Springsteen, Buzz Bites, Hanson, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Taylor Hanson

Kathy Beth Terry fans, rejoice! After much coy teaser-ing, the full-length video for Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" has arrived (early, too!), and it's every bit as epic as the previews indicated it would be. Katy performs over-the-top physical comedy as her alter ego Kathy Beth Terry, and she's helped out by several Internets' worth of famous faces, including "Friday" queen Rebecca Black (Katy Perry's covered Rebecca Black before, so it's nice to see them finally team up) HANSON (!!!), "Glee"'s Kevin McHale as her geeky love interest, Darren Criss as "that totally '80s party guy," and Kenny frickin' G. Phew! And in the eight-minute mini movie version of "Last Friday Night," we see cameos Corey Feldman and Debbie Gibson (as her cool parents).

The video sees Kathy Beth Terry frantically trying to remember what she did last Friday night, followed by a classic '80s teen movie flashback sequence that includes her getting made over (montage time!!!), doing the robot, puking into a roller skate, and generally seeing what life is like on the other side of the Sudoku challenge book. Does Katy Perry have a career in comedy ahead of her? Watch the whole wacky thing below and decide for yourself.

+ Watch Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" video and meet Katy Perry's parents in the video below!

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Tags Hanson, Katy Perry, Rebecca Black, video

(Credit: Matt Harper/MTV News)

(Updated March 21, 6:30pm ET)

As if we needed another reason to love Hanson, our friends at MTV News got a firsthand account of Hanson's tremendous efforts to help the relief effort in Japan this past weekend.

Upon connecting with the SXSW4Japan relief effort, curated by Rob Wu and Leigh Durst, Taylor Hanson rallied his band of brothers, and on March 19, in less than 24 hours, put together an impromptu musical telethon online to support the relief efforts in Japan. Hanson and their celebrity friends streamed live messages of support, performances and calls to action encouraging donations for Japan for 12 straight hours at SXSW4Japan.org.

Hanson's efforts helped bring in $10,000 to help survivors of the disasters in Japan. To date, the SXSW4Japan initiative has raised more than $103,000. (You can still donate at SXSW4Japan.org or by texting "Redcross" to 90999.)

We think it's phenomenal that the trio mobilized their musical network to help the struggling country regain its standing after a devastating 8.9 earthquake and tsunami. If we had Buzzworthy medals of honor to give Hanson, we would.

Hanson pulled in celebrity friends such as Charlie Mars (pictured above), Michael Stipe, The Boxer Rebellion, Bowling For Soup, Anna Nalick, An Horse, The Parlotones, Widespread Panic's John Hermann, and the Court Yard Hounds, to encourage viewers to donate to relief effort. All proceeds from the 12-hour telethon went directly to the American Red Cross, and featured songs will be sold as part of an upcoming benefit project. Go Hanson!

Related Content More Ways To Help Japan, Demi Lovato Donates $1 Million To Japan Relief Effort

Tags Hanson, Taylor Hanson

(Credit: WireImage)

After Hanson charmed us with a "Blues Brothers" homage in the group's video for "Thinkin' 'Bout Somethin'," the bros are back with their video for "Give A Little" off of their latest album Shout It Out. Yes, it's true that I've wanted to marry Taylor Hanson since 1997, but that doesn't change the fact that this video isn't still just objectively adorable. No bias, I swear.

"Give A Little" features the brothers Hanson playing their instruments in front of a simple white backdrop. The song starts off slow as they sing about wooing ladies (something that Hanson knows just a little bit about), while the video cuts to different couples getting their dance on. The momentum builds, and pretty soon there's paint being splattered everywhere, and everyone on the set is getting down. Like I said, adorable.

And we're totally digging the low-budget video thing. "Give A Little" is a snappy pop song with a to-the-point video that focuses on the catchiness of the track. No bells and whistles, just singing, dancing and Taylor Hanson wearing Ray-Bans. What else do you need in life? NOTHING...in my opinion.

Tags Hanson, Taylor Hanson

(Credit: Hanson.net)

So, these picture exist. Just in case you were feeling lethargic and were looking for a pick-me-up, we found these totally random Terry Richardson-esque pictures of Hanson donning their finest (?) holiday apparel. Their really authentic holiday apparel. Um, you're welcome?

We love how the "Thinking' 'Bout Somethin'" guys have each interpreted their sweaters: Zac Hanson (left) looks genuinely cheesy, and Isaac Hanson (right) looks totally ridiculous, but we just have to ask--what's Taylor Hanson doing trying to spruce up that hideous Christmas vest? Adding a scarf? And a cool button-down? That is not how one wears an ugly Christmas sweater, Taylor! You can't be cool and have snowmen on your vest. It's one or the other.

Our friends over at MTV Style have written at length about the pros and cons of the Ugly Christmas Sweater. My favorite part about an ugly Christmas sweater is that you don't have to go far to get one (i.e. your mom's closet). The worst part? They're disgusting.

What do you guys think? Are you over the "irony" of ugly Christmas sweaters or are they still hilarious?

Tags Hanson