Justin Bieber's Michael Jackson Connection? Michael Madsen

Bieber's 'As Long As You Love Me' offer 'took me off guard,' says Madsen, who also starred with MJ in 2001.
By Jocelyn Vena

<P>Justin Bieber tweeted that when he was looking for inspiration for his "As Long As You Love Me" video, there was no one he wanted to emulate more than Michael Jackson.</P><P>Coincidentally, when he needed someone to play his foe in the clip, he looked no further than a guy who has some experience working with Jackson.</P><P>That man is Michael Madsen, who appeared in Jackson's 2001 gangster-themed video for "You Rock My World" off his <i>Invincible</i> album. Oddly enough, the only people that have ever really asked the hard-edged actor to appear in videos happen to be Bieber and Jackson.</P><P></p><div class="player-placeholder right" title="Michael Madsen Has A Soft Spot For Justin Bieber" id="vid:822276" width="415" height="255"></div><p></P><P>"Hardly ever [am I asked to be in videos], that was why it was kind of funny cause that doesn't usually happen," he told MTV News. "It came out of nowhere. It was the last thing in the world I expected, to be called by Justin Bieber. It was kind of funny. It took me off guard. It's not the usual thing people think of me for, but considering the role, maybe."</P><P>In the video, Madsen plays a tough guy who beats up Bieber after the teen ignores his request to stay away from his daughter. It was that cinematic storyline that got Madsen interested.</P><P>"I didn't want to imagine myself on a trampoline with a lollipop, so I asked for the story. I realized it was almost like a film production; and of course, I kind of figured that it might be an interesting thing to do," he said about the Anthony Mandler-directed video. "I didn't know what to expect... I was surprised... They got me a good wardrobe. That was my shirt though. I brought my own shirt; those kinds of shirts are kind of rare.</P><P>"The story is so much Shakespearian; the couple, they run off together out the window," he later continued. "It's rather like that, I thought that was interesting. And I thought the kid, he had an enormous talent and he was very gracious to my sons and was very gracious to my family."</P><P>It was actually those sons that convinced the Hawaiian-shirt-wearing "Kill Bill" star to make the video with Bieber. "Well I was surprised at first that the kid was interested in having me be part of his video," he recalled. "I went to my sons and I asked my boys, I asked my sons what they thought if I should if they thought I should do it or not. And, of course, they gently placed their hand on my shoulder and said 'Dad don't you realize who Justin Bieber is?' And I said 'Well, no, actually I didn't.' But with their blessing I decided I thought it might be interesting."</P><P><i>Do you think Michael Madsen's appearance in "As Long As You Love Me" bumps Bieber to MJ status? Let us know in the comments!</i></P><P></P>

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1691125/justin-bieber-michael-madsen-michael... "> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1691125/justin-bieber-michael-madsen-michael...

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Missy Elliot Denies Any Knowledge Of An Aaliyah Project


Just when we thought this issue had been put to rest, Twitter got involved. Well, not Twitter, but I’m citing Twitter because I need something to blame for all this back-and-forth he-said-she-said confirmation/denial drama over the Aaliyah project. It seems like only yesterday (because it was yesterday) that we were getting the final say from [...]

Source: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2012-08-11/missy-elliot-denies-any-knowledge-of-an-aaliyah-project

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Rihanna & Lady Gaga Top Forbes' Social Networking Superstars List

In this day and age news travels fast, but that wouldn't be possible without the use of social networking. Celebrities definitely use the new technology to their advantage.

On Thursday (August 9), Forbes released its list of social media superstars based on the total number of Facebook fans and Twitter followers each celebrity has. After tallying the results, it appears music industry heavyweights hold the most power in the social networking world.

Taking the number one spot with 59.6 million fans on Facebook and 23.8 million followers on Twitter is 24-year-old pop sensation Rihanna. The Barbadian beauty is known for using her Twitter page to post sultry pictures and share a piece of her mind.

Following closely behind is the Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga. The "Born This Way" songstress is the most followed celebrity on Twitter and falls just slightly short on Facebook with an impressive 53 million fans.

Surprisingly beating out Justin Bieber for the number three spot on the list is rapping sensation Eminem. The Detroit native only has 11.9 million followers on Twitter, but has pulled in a whopping 60 million likes on his Facebook page.

Also rounding out the top ten was the 18-year-old old "Boyfriend" singer (number 4) and Selena Gomez (number 10) as well Taylor Swift (number 8), Katy Perry (number 5), Shakira (number 6), Lil Wayne (number 9) and the only athlete to take top honors, Cristiano Ronaldo (number 7).

Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/rihanna/rihanna-lady-gaga-top-forbes-social-networking-superstars-list-708405

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