Beyonce's 'Countdown' Video: A Pop-Culture Cheat Sheet

We analyze the Mod references and more as B does her best 'Funny Face' in new Technicolor clip.
By Rebecca Thomas


Beyonce in the "Countdown" video
Photo: Columbia

Beatniks, bobby socks and ... Beyoncé? On Thursday night, King B premiered her eagerly anticipated, Adria Petty-directed "Countdown" video, doing a bit of time travel back to the Swinging Sixties.

The colorful clip (if you doubt it, check out the glorious "Countdown" GIF Wall our pals at Buzzworthy cooked up!) is packed with references and looks — spanning the '60s to the '80s, from vintage Vogue covers to a head-to-toe homage to the Hollywood musical "Funny Face."

Check out what we spotted, and let us know what we missed!

The Banana Dance: Josephine Baker was just too hot for these United States, so she took her provocative act to the one place where a black girl in the 1920s could get down without the prude police knocking down your door: Paris. While B isn't topless with a fistful of ripe Chiquita bananas strung around her waist, she does La Baker proud in a series of twirls and booty-popping twists.

"Blow-Up": Influential Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni captured London's Mod scene in this 1966 flick. "Countdown" not only recalls the film's Technicolor glow and quick-cut technique, but B's exaggerated high-fashion poses also feel inspired by the ones depicted in the motion picture.

"Fame": Ragtag bunch of gifteds dance on tables at a New York City performing arts high school in early-80s TV series. Their leader (played by Debbie Allen) kicked off each episode with a pep talk about the high price of fame, but it's the studio and the modern dance duds that come to mind when we watch Petty's 2011 clip.

"Flashdance": Pittsburgh welder/exotic dancer has her heart set on getting into a prestigious ballet company in the 1983 cult classic. King B tugs at the shoulder of her gray sweatshirt, and pop culture welcomes another Jennifer Beals homage into the universe.

"Funny Face": A gamine Audrey Hepburn dons beatnik black in the West Village in this 1957 Fred Astaire musical. From the bunched white socks and loafers to the fancy footwork, Beyoncé kicks off "Countdown" by nailing the silver-screen queen's iconic look — and dusts off the Bebop moves too!

Check out the photos! Pop Culture References In Beyonce's 'Countdown'

The Gap: Americans presumably bought khakis in record numbers in 1998, the same year the retailer launched an ad campaign featuring swing dancers in their pleated pants. The commercial comes rushing back when B's suddenly surrounded by khaki-clad hoofers.

"Glass Pieces": Set to a Phillip Glass composition, Broadway giant Jerome Robbins created the work for the New York City Ballet. Could B's team have been checking out the piece when they picked out those colorful costumes and choreographed the airy footwork?

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody": Flashing fluorescent backdrops with monochromatic DayGlo outfit changes to match. The black-and-white tiled floor, Crayola-box makeup, even an assortment of wide-band hair bows — it's all there in Brian Grant's 1987 clip for Whitney Houston, and now it's in B's extravaganza.

Luna, Donyale: In March 1966, Detroit native became first black model to cover British Vogue, striking the eye-between-the-fingers pose for famed photog David Bailey. Beyonce, looking very Luna, shows off similar handwork.

Mondrian, Piet: Early-20th century Dutch artist's primary color-drenched, colorblock pieces were hallmark of his Neo-Plasticism style. The grid-like backgrounds in Beyoncé's visual look like they could have been painted by Piet.

Quant, Mary: Fashion/cosmetics designer reigned in the swinging '60s. Superstar's hair and makeup job looks exactly like a popular ad for the brand.

The Supremes: Motown girl group; legends. No one does Diana like the "Dreamgirl," who shakes it in a sparkly silver minidress and bouffant wig.

"Valley of the Dolls": Campy 1967 film based on novel by Jacqueline Susann about three 20-somethings with Big Apple dreams who succumb to drugs (dolls) and drama. B's pink nightdress with purple hair bow look reminds us of the movie's promotional poster.

Versace: Look no further than vintage Versace ads for clues about the juicy, rainbow-bright bodysuits that B pairs with a striped, wide-brim chapeau.

"West Side Story": Jets and Sharks knew the only way to settle a turf war was ... a dance-off! Dance master Jerome Robbins worked up a snaps-heavy number for the theatrical release. And B snaps to that.

Share your thoughts on the "Countdown" video in the comments below!

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Lady Gaga To Perform At Grammy Nominations Concert

Jason Aldean will also hit the stage when 2012 nominees are announced.
By Jocelyn Vena


Lady Gaga
Photo: Scott Gries/ Picture Group

The Grammy Awards may be months away, but the Recording Academy is already gearing up for the big show. Lady Gaga has been tapped to perform at "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," airing next month. She'll be joined by country star Jason Aldean, who will also perform at the fourth annual event.

The show, which takes place November 30 at the Nokia Theatre in L.A., will once again be hosted by LL Cool J. It will air on CBS at 10 p.m. In addition to performances from Aldean, Gaga and others who have yet to be announced, nominees in several of the categories will be announced at the show. The Grammys air live on February 12.

This certainly isn't Gaga's first time at the Grammy rodeo. She's won five awards in the past, including trophies for Best Short Form Music Video and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Bad Romance," as well as Best Pop Vocal Album for The Fame Monster, Best Dance Recording for "Poker Face" and Best Electronic/Dance Album for her debut album, The Fame.

Last year, Gaga made headlines when she appeared on the red carpet in an egg and emerged in yolk-colored clothes to perform "Born This Way." She previously performed with Elton John in 2010.

Aldean has not previously been nominated for any Grammy Awards. While nominees for the show will be announced that night, it should be noted that both Gaga and Aldean are eligible. They both released albums within the timeframe: Gaga with Born This Way and Aldean with My Kinda Party.

Who are you rooting for at this year's Grammys? Let us know in the comments!

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Eminem's 'Southpaw' Boxing Movie Back On Track

Sony Pictures picks up film, pegged to start production early next year.
By Gil Kaufman


Eminem
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

Talk about an epic battle. Eminem has been circling the gritty boxing drama "Southpaw" for more than a year now. But it seemed like the rapper's second feature film was down for the count when its original distributor, DreamWorks, shelved it in August.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the scrappy tale of a welterweight boxer who becomes a champ despite being a lefty has gotten off the mat and is back in contention.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has picked up the flick, which would be Marshall Mathers' first major movie role since his acclaimed debut in the semi-autobiographical 2002 drama "8 Mile." The movie is expected to start production early next year and will be directed by Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day"), from a script written by Em and "Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter.

Like "8 Mile," Eminem says the tale is a parallel to his own life: the story of a boxer who rises to the top only to see tragedy strike, forcing him to mount a personal and professional comeback. Em famously reached the pinnacle of rap fame in the early 2000s, only to fall into a nearly fatal spiral of drug addiction, which he later snapped, getting clean and releasing a triumphant comeback album, Recovery, in 2010.

Eminem has done a few cameos since "8 Mile," including the Adam Sandler movie "Funny People" and HBO's "Entourage," but has not headlined a movie since his screen debut.

He was recently named a "God of Rock' by GQ magazine, which put him on the cover alongside Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and Lil Wayne.

"I've realized that the way I am helps with the music," he said about the natural personality quirks that fuel his music. "Sporadic thoughts will pop into my head, and I'll have to go write something down, and the next thing you know, I've written a whole song in an hour. But sometimes it sucks, and I wish I was wired like a regular person and could go have a f---in' drink. But that's the biggest thing about addiction: When you realize that you cannot — for f---'s sake, you cannot — f--- around with nothing ever again."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Beyonce's 'Countdown' Video Shoot Was 'Evolving, Spontaneous'

'I love the creative team that works with Beyonce because they can roll with anything,' video director Adria Petty says.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonce in her video for "Countdown"
Photo: Columbia

Beyoncé's "Countdown" video plays up the singer's theatrical side. It pays homage to iconic films like "West Side Story" and "Funny Face," as well as '60s icons like the Supremes and Audrey Hepburn. The clip, co-directed by Adria Petty, is an eye-catching glimpse at the pop culture moments that reside in the creative conscience of the pop star.

While a lot of the video displays the singer's personality and spunk, as well as her ever-expanding baby bump, it's clear that Petty and her team worked hard to make sure they captured the spirit of the milestones they re-created in the video.

"I brought Beyoncé a number of references and we picked some out together. Most were German modern-dance references, believe it or not. But it really evolved," she told MTV News, calling it "an evolving, spontaneous process."

Check out what we spotted, and let us know what we missed!

"The references were then dispersed to her creative team (hair, makeup, wardrobe), and they interpreted them on the set in their own special way. Of course, one of the strongest wardrobe references was Audrey Hepburn in 'Funny Face' when she does the beatnik dance scene. I think a lot grew from there," Petty continued.

Shot over the last few months in New York City warehouses, the shoot was all about being able to squeeze in all of her work commitments while also trying to finish the elaborately set video.

What do Queen B's fans have to say about that "Countdown" baby bump?

"The shoot was great. We had a number of brilliant dancers and musicians and a top-notch crew. Beyoncé brings in a number of her own people who are so hardworking. Our video was the fourth they had shot in five days," Petty said. "I love the creative team that works with Beyoncé because they can roll with anything and keep smiling. Everyone was really upbeat and excited because we all love the track and the opportunity to work with Beyoncé so much."

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'X Factor' Castoffs Dexter Haygood, Phillip Lomax Open Up

The Brewer Boys also lament their early elimination, as five contestants were sent home after first live episode.
By Jim Cantiello


Dexter Haygood on "X Factor"
Photo: Fox

On Tuesday night, it was time to face the music. And for five "X Factor" contestants, the music said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

Throughout the epic live "X Factor" debut, the judges axed five hopefuls they had been personally grooming, turning a top 17 into a top 12. MTV News was granted exclusive press access backstage to speak with the first batch of eliminated finalists just minutes after they were dropped from the show.

"I killed it tonight. That's what I feel, man!" said Memphis rocker Dexter Haygood, who delivered an over-the-top cover of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" under Nicole Scherzinger's tutelage. During the early audition episodes, America fell in love with Haygood's infectious energy and emotional life story, which included everything from living on the streets to fronting Xavion, the first African-American rock band to be featured on MTV.

"I'm just happy to be moving on, somewhat," said Haygood, who chalked up his onstage confusion during elimination to feeling overwhelming pressure. "Let me tell you something: Being in a competition is a lot of stress. I'm not happy to be off, but it's a good feeling knowing that the competition [has ended]," Haygood said before rocking a sports metaphor: "If you don't win the Super Bowl, you're glad the damn season is over."

A downtrodden Phillip Lomax aimed to focus on the good things about his time on "X Factor." "I'm obviously disappointed, but I have to look at this in a positive light and realize that I've accomplished what not many people have," the crooner said as the sound of a cheering studio audience echoed the halls of CBS Studios.

Earlier in the show, Phillip's swinging "I'm a Believer" raised some questions about song selection among the judging panel, but Lomax insisted he was happy with what L.A. Reid picked for him. "I definitely played a hand in [picking that song] as well," said Lomax, who got as far as he did in the competition due to his dead-on Frank Sinatra impersonation, which he abandoned for the poppier Monkees hit Tuesday night. "I thought it was a good song. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but I decided to go with what my mentor told me to do and I had faith. I still have faith. I'm still a believer," he chuckled before censoring himself. "Sorry, that's way too corny."

Meanwhile, teen sibling duo the Brewer Boys, who both sport Bieber hairdos, were at peace with their elimination, courtesy of teary mentor Paula Abdul — or, as they insist on calling her, "Miss Paula." They'll never forget Miss Paula's "hands-on" mentoring, as well as her gaggle of Chihuahuas they befriended during the judges' home episodes. Keep your eyes peeled for the duo — who performed a bizarre mash-up of Hall & Oates' "Rich Girl" and George Michael's "Faith" on Tuesday — as they hope to hit the road, but in the short term, the only thing on Justin Brewer's schedule is chilling in bed and playing a ton of "Call of Duty."

Lomax, likewise, has no beef with mentor L.A. for letting him go. "I think he's an outstanding guy. I wish that he made a different decision, obviously, but he could only take three, and those three guys are outstanding as well. It's a shame he didn't pick me," the aspiring actor shrugged before wandering the halls of CBS Studios to say his goodbyes and hopefully bump into Kim Kardashian, who was spotted nearby at the "Dancing With the Stars" stage.

There was no time to chat with Simon Cowell's eliminated girls, Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle, who were favorites of the Brit but were never well-liked by his fellow judges. Minutes after the show went off the air, they briskly grabbed their belongings and jumped into a production van to take them back to their hotel.

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Bruce Willis To Be A Dad Again!

There will soon be a new addition to The Willis family. Yep Bruce is going to be a dad again! Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis are expecting their first child together early next year. As you are all well aware this will be the fourth child for the 56-year old actor. Since he already has three girls I am willing to bet he is probably hoping for a bouncing baby boy, just my thoughts there. This will be the first child for 35-year old Heming. By the way I know there will be chatter about Willis being a new dad at his age but seriously who cares babies are a blessing. Sorry little side not there. Here is the statement that that a rep for Bruce and Emma had to say about their expanding family. Bruce and Emma are overjoyed with this news and they look forward to welcoming this newest addition into their family. This is quite the happy news for the couple who have been married for a little over two years. The couple so far are keeping mum about whether or not they know the sex of the baby and the actual due date. However there [...]

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Kody Brown & Family Welcome Child No. 17

And baby makes... 17.

Sister Wives' reality star Kody Brown and his fourth wife Robyn welcomed a son named Solomon on Wednesday (October 25) US Weekly confirms.

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