Results tagged “leighton meester” from J-14 Magazine

Hey J-14ers,

Last night I saw by far my favorite concert of the year -- OP presents Boys Like Girls with Cobra Starship, The Maine, A Rocket To The Moon, and VersaEmerge. I've never seen so much energy in one show!

My fave song by The Maine last night was actually the last one they performed (okay, it's one of my faves by them in general anyway!), "Girls Do What They Want." Lead singer John O'Callaghan was so into it felt like he got lost in the song! Plus after their set, I ran into a fan who was so excited to catch one of drummer Pat Kirch's drumsticks -- she said she had to practically fight the crowd to keep it! Now those are real fans!

I've never seen Cobra Starship live, but I have met lead singer Gabe Saporta, guitarist Ryland Blackinton, and bassist Alex Suarez before, so I was psyched to finally see them perform a full set. And they sure did perform for their hometown crowd! "It's good to be home, man," Gabe told the crowd at the beginning of the show. Cobra opened with "The City Is At War," got the crowd in a frenzy when they announced the song "Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous," danced like madman to the latin-infused punk song "Smile For The Paparazzi," and rocked out to their newest single, "Hot Mess." But the highlight of the night was definitely their last song, when Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester came out to perform Cobra's hit single "Good Girls Go Bad." It was the first time Leighton ever performed with Cobra live, and she brought two back-up dancers on stage with her! I've never seen a crowd go as nuts as they did for this song.

Well, that was until Boys Like Girls came on! Sure it helps that I know every song, but they had me hooked from the moment the second they hit the stage covering Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling," which led right into their single, "Love Drunk." I was psyched to hear them play two of my fave tracks off their Boys Like Girls album, "Five Minutes To Midnight" and "Hero/Heroine," and it was awesome to hear VersaEmerge's lead singer Sierra Kusterbeck take on Taylor Swift's part in BLG's newest single, "Two Is Better Than One." But the absolutely best part of the night was when they took on their sick anthem, "The Great Escape" -- not only was it amazing to hear live, lead singer Martin Johnson invited everyone up on stage to sing with them!

It was a crazy way to end an awesome night of music!

Tell me J-14ers -- what's the best concert you've been to this year?

<3,
Emily, J-14 editor

Photos: J-14; Courtesy of Shotmonster.com; J-14

Hey J-14ers!

Can you believe it? The holidays are right around the corner and just in time: A Very Special Christmas: Volume 7 -- featuring all my favorite artists is coming out November 23! Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Mitchel Musso, Ashley Tisdale, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Sean Kingston, Kristina DeBarge, Colbie Caillat, Leighton Meester, Gloriana, and more make the all-star line up for this compilation of holiday songs. And they don't disappoint!

These definitely aren't your typical Christmas carols, but they'll still totally get you into the holiday spirit and have you singing along! I was excited to hear some of my absolute favorite artists on there like Leighton Meester, Kellie Pickler, and Carrie Underwood! One of the highlights is Colbie Caillat's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Colbie's unique vocals give the song a much needed face-lift, but still hold onto the tune's charm. Miley sings one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," with a full blast of energy. I would expect no less from her! Sean Kingston's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" mixes up the classic with fun beats and reggae fusion. I also am lovin' Leighton Meester's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)!" The Gossip girl is my pick for new artist to keep an eye on in the new year. And last but not least, Ashley Tisdale's vocals are perfect for the fun holiday song "Last Christmas!"

You know how giving is better than receiving this time of year? Bonus: proceeds from the album benefit The Special Olympics! Since the first Very Special Christmas compilation back in 1987, these Xmas albums have raised more than $100 million for the organization. Talk about Christmas cheer! If you're feeling especially generous this season, this CD is a perfect treat for a friend and yourself ;)! Check out www.veryspecialchristmas.com, help this great cause, and I'll see you rockin' around the Christmas tree this year!

Your J-14 intern,
<3 Nicole

Photo of Miley: Sheryl Nields/Courtesy of Hollywood Records

Hey J-14ers,

I was lucky enough to not just watch the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards being taped last night at NYC's Roseland Ballroom, but I got to head out on to the red carpet too! I talked to all the celebs about who they were excited to see at the awards show and, of course, talk about New Moon!

Sparks the Rescue's single is called "We Love Like Vampires," so I had to ask if they were Team Edward or Jacob. "Team Bella!" guitarist Toby McAllister told J-14. But Zooey Deschanel -- her hubby happens to be Death Cab For Cutie's lead singer Ben Gibbard -- told me she hasn't seen the movies! "I just haven't gotten to it, but I'm open to it," Zooey told J-14. "I love the soundtrack!"

Never Shout Never's Christopher Drew -- one of the night's big winners who told me, "I wish I was a vampire!" -- was psyched to see Death Cab perform, while singer Kenna loves Alicia Keys. In fact, he wanted her to win the Good Woodie award for charity work -- over himself! But would he pull a Kanye West if Alicia didn't win? "Yes," he told me. "I'll take the award from whoever - like if I win it, I'll take it from myself. Is [Taylor Swift] here? I want to give her a hug."

He wasn't the only one -- the Kanye incident was mentioned by rapper Asher Roth when he presented an award. But the biggest surprises of the night? Matt & Kim's back-up dancers stripping down during the band's opening number (they still had some clothes on -- don't worry!), 3OH!3 dressed up in two of Lady Gaga's craziest outfits, and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester presented with the legendary Cydni Lauper!

My fave parts of the night overall were just watching Death Cab perform their hit off the Twilight soundtrack, "Meet Me On The Equinox," and one of my all-time fave songs of theirs, "The Sound of Settling." P.O.S. rapping through the crowd was pretty cool too, as was mega rock band The Dead Weather performing three songs to close out the night -- after all, they're an awesome group who hardly ever take the stage!

You can check out all the madness when the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards when it premieres on Friday, December 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

There were tons of up-and-coming bands and indie groups there that I think you guys would love. So tell me -- what new bands are you interested in hearing about? Do you guys like finding out about new music?

<3,
Emily, J-14 editor

After her hit song "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship, Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester is releasing her own album!

The first single off the yet-to-be-titled album is called "Somebody to Love," a duet she did with singer Robin Thicke. (He sings the song "Lost Without You.")

To hear Leighton's song:
Popeater: Leighton Wants 'Somebody to Love'

There's no set release date for her album, but Leighton took to Twitter to talk about about excited she was for her first single to be released yesterday:

Do you like the song? Do you prefer Leighton as a singer or actress?

Photo: Courtesy of The CW

The countdown is over... and the MTV VMAs are tonight! Just a few of the highlights to look for... a brand new extended The Twilight Saga: New Moon trailer, performances by Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, All-American Rejects, Muse, Taylor Swift, P!nk, 3OH!3, Alicia Keys, and Green Day, as well as appearances by Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester, Eminem, Adam Brody, Alexa Chung, Jimmy Fallon, Andy Samberg, Jack Black, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Megan Fox, Kristin Cavallari, Cobra Starship, Miranda Cosgrove, Ne-Yo, Katy Perry, Rob Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and Kristen Stewart!

J-14 will be there to cover the event... and bring you the scoop straight from the stars!

Be sure to catch it live on MTV at 9 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Interscope

The hottest musicians today have joined forces and channeled their retro instincts for a music video based on the classic movie, West Side Story, called VMA Side Story -- to celebrate the upcoming MTV VMAs on September 13 at 9 p.m.

Check out this music video starring Cobra Starship, Leighton Meester, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, NeYo, and Russell Brand!

Tell us what you think!

Cobra Starship appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien last night, performing their hit single, "Good Girls Go Bad." But lead singer Gabe Saporta's fave gal, Leighton Meester, wasn't there!

Um, did Cobra just ditch the Gossip Girl star? No way! Leighton's shooting GG in New York City, but Conan films in Los Angeles. So what's a band to do? Have R&B singer Estelle fill in, of course! Check out the vid of her singing with Cobra below.

Who do you think sings "Good Girls Go Bad" better -- Leighton Meester or Estelle?

Spotted: S, B, J, G, and the whole Gossip Girl cast filming season three all over the streets of the Big Apple! Besides the drama and an occasional catfight or two, the ladies of the CW show always bring some serious fashion to the small screen. Check out these shots of Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Jessica Szohr, and Michelle Trachtenberg (OMG! Georgina's back!) filming -- and tell us what you think of their fashions below!

Also -- which is your fave trend: Vanessa and Georgina's funky jewelry, Blair's pink heels, Serena's tie dye vest and boot combo, Georgina's ripped jeans, or the girls' colorful oversized bags?

Photos: Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto.com

Hi J-14ers!

Cobra Starship stopped by the J-14 offices last week and I had a total blast with them! You have to check out theses crazy facts about they dished to me about Leighton Meester, Twilight, and more!

1. Lead singer Gabe is a HUGE Gossip Girl fan. While they didn't chat with Leighton Meester about the show (Ryland says Leighton did tease Gabe for being a GG "fanboy"), they loved working with her in their "Good Girls Go Bad" video. Bassist Ryland called her "an absolute professional," while Gabe let us in on a little secret from the video. "The legs walking over us aren't Leighton's!" Gabe reveals.

2. The boys haven't read any of the Twilight books, but Ryland did ask if I was a vampire (I had a lovely Garfield band-aid from giving blood that day). Don't worry, J-14ers -- I told them about Edwards sparkling abilities and pointed out each of the Twilight hotties to them.

3. Guitarist Alex's fave song off of Hot Mess is the first track, "Nice Guys Finish Last." Gabe tells us the band tends to think up song titles first and writes lyrics around them.

4. Everyone on their record label, Decaydence, are friends, but they admit that they don't really sound like the other bands despite being all lumped together. Cobra is proud of their more electronic sound.

5. Ashley Tisdale has a track on her CD, Guilty Pleasure, called "Hot Mess" -- both titles are also songs off Cobra Starship's! Gabe called this out to her on Ash's Twitter, but Gabe revealed to us exclusively that as of July 8, she hadn't responded to him yet.

6. What would Gabe's perfect girl be like? "A hot mess!" he jokingly said. Ryland admits that Gabe does seem to get all the ladies.

Are you excited for Cobra's new album like I am? Why or why not?

<3,
Emily

Cobra Starship's got a new member who they're introducing to J-14 exclusively: Meet Robo Gabe! ;)

Check out this exclusive video message from the guys behind "Good Girls Go Bad" -- Gabe Saporta, Alex Suarez, and Ryland Blackinton!

And if you haven't see it yet, you MUST check out their new video starring Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester... just click below!

What do you think of Cobra Starship?

Tonight is the season finale of Gossip Girl. Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford, and the rest of your fave Upper East Siders are graduating from HS -- and trying to discover the identity of Gossip Girl at the same time! Make sure to tune in tonight at 8 pm on The CW.

Who do you think is the real Gossip Girl?

Photo: Courtesy of Giovanni Rufino/The CW

Let the countdown begin! Just announced... the first exclusive clip from The Twilight Saga: New Moon will debut on the 2009 MTV Movie Awards live on Sunday, May 31 at 9 p.m. ET.

And who better to present it than Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner themselves! Yup, all three will be in attendance at the show.

Who else will be at the MTV Movie Awards this year? Vanessa Hudgens, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Abigail Breslin, Sandra Bullock, Denzel Washington, Cameron Diaz, Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Leighton Meester, Jonah Hill, Lil Wayne, and Kings of Leon. Sounds like a star-studded celebration!

And there's still time for you to be a part of the MTV Movie Awards results. Don't forget to vote at www.mtv.com/ontv/movieawards/2009/categories.jhtml.

What part of New Moon do you hope that Rob, Kristen, and Taylor will show at the MTV Movie Awards?

Photo: Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Cobra Starship premiered their brand new song, "Good Girls Go Bad," on Ryan Seacrest this morning, but it's no ordinary tune -- the track features Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester!

You can hear the new song right now on the band's MySpace page, even though the single doesn't go on sale on iTunes until Tuesday, May 12! Check out the song and tell us what you think about the tune, Leighton, and if you're psyched for their third album, Hot Mess, to drop August 11.

Photo: Courtesy of Julian Gilbert, Atlantic Records; Courtesy of The CW

Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf definitely has something to celebrate today.... it's Leighton Meester's 23rd birthday!

It's a triple-star birthday today...Leighton shares her birthday with Jesse McCartney who turns 22 today and Twilight and Adventureland's Kristen Stewart who turns 19 today!

Photo: Courtesy of The CW

J-14 spies spotted Blake Lively & Leighton Meester on the steps of the courthouse in NYC filming for an upcoming episode of Gossip Girl!

What do you hope happens the rest of this season on GG?

Photo: Startraks

Hot or Not?

Photo: Startraks

Both Leighton Meester & America Ferrera wore this on each of their TV shows, Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty, but who do you think wore it better? Let us know!

Photo: Startraks