Barack Obama Page 4

President Barack Obama has achieved a first for any of the previous heads of state.

The President of the United States made a rare appearance on Zach Galifianakis's hilarious web series show 'Between Two Ferns', which streams on the website Funny or Die.

Galifianakis, who is known for his role as Alan in 'The Hangover' franchise, acts as the host of the semi-fake talk-show, and this Tuesday's episode saw his biggest guest to date.

Continue reading: President Obama Shows Comedic Side In 'Between Two Ferns' Web Series Appearance With Zach Galifianakis [Video]

On Thursday, President Obama launched the new "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. The program asks for public and private entities to develop more opportunities to aid young minority men. The initiative would also breakdown social conditions which hinder them such as impoverishment and imprisonment with disproportionate numbers. 

Bill O'Reilly discusses the impact of "gangsta rap" on children

Continue reading: Bill O'Reilly Discusses The Influence Of Gangsta Rappers

Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of The United States of America was a tremendous stepping-stone for the western world; a black man in charge of the free world - it was exhilarating. His reputation hasn’t remained entirely unblemished, though, and with a string of political controversies plaguing his tenure at the oval office, opinion isn’t so rosy any more.

Obama is really into his highly rated TV

One of Obama’s integral selling points to voters is his communication with young people. He was supported by the likes of Matt Damon and Jay-Z in his election campaign back in 2008, and before his win in 2009 to become America’s first black president, the youth were firmly behind him.

All of this; everything I’ve just said, means nothing because Barack Obama watches 'House of Cards' and 'True Detective' – my two favourite things at the moment. Just think – for a second – think about what that means.

It means someone, somewhere, sorted out a Netflix account for Mr. Obama

There’s no way Obama logged on to Netflix, typed his card details and started a free one-month trial with Netflix. Some spotty assistant did it, and knows the details. They’re probably [email protected], and the password is probably democraticz. Just imagine that.

It means Obama watches Kevin Spacey manipulate the political landscape, and finds it entertaining

Obama loves House of Cards. He Tweeted out telling people not to spoil it as Netflix put whole seasons of their original content at once. We’re obviously choosing to ignore the fact that Obama probably did this as a publicity stunt to maintain the vote of the youth – old people don’t even know what House of Cards is, so ignore it and assume he’s talking about a book.

Continue reading: Obama Watches 'House Of Cards' And 'True Detective', Think About What That Means.

The Monuments Men – the Matt Damon and George Clooney-starring flick about a World War II platoon charged with protecting important works of art – was screened at a private White House event on Tuesday night. The movie follows the band of soldiers, as they are ordered by president Roosevelt to go into Germany to rescue masterpieces stolen by Nazis.

The movie stars a brilliant cast, which includes Clooney, Damon, John Goodman and Bill Murray, among others.

The movie was written and produced by Clooney, a generous donor to Obama's political campaigns, and Grant Heslov. While Clooney is a longtime supporter of Obama and hosted a fundraiser for his reelection at his Studio City home in May 2012. Damon on the other hand, has expressed his disillusionment with the president and his policies before. Most recently, Damon told BET last year that Obama "broke up with him," and he expressed concerns about U.S. drone operations under Obama and revelations by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden about the agency's spying programs. To that valid criticism, Obama responded with some of his own: "Matt Damon said he was disappointed in my performance. Well, Matt, I just saw The Adjustment Bureau, so right back atcha, buddy!"

Continue reading: "The Monuments Men" Screens For President Obama At The White House's Family Theater

Bradley Cooper has revealed that he attended a White House state dinner in honour of the French President Francois Hollande...completely commando. The 39-year-old actor told Ellen that he met President Barack Obama and other state officials whilst he wasn't wearing any underwear. That's not the only reason the event was particularly uncomfortable at the event: he admitted to wearing a tuxedo so tight he could barely breathe.

Bradley Cooper Has Revealed He Went Commando At A Formal White House Dinner.

Cooper fans who know him from his mischief-making movies, such as The Hangover, may assume that going commando around such distinguished company was all part of a stunt or a dare. However, fans who have read this article will know that that wouldn't be part of his character at all. So what really happened?

Continue reading: Why Was Bradley Cooper Forced To Go Commando To White House State Dinner?

President Barack Obama has requested that America, and the rest of the world for that matter, keep any news of House of Cards season 2 to themselves, at least until he has time to watch it!

President Barack Obama tweets "No spoilers, please."

President Obama took to Twitter on Thursday (13th February), evidently excited about the release of the second season of the hit drama on Netflix. The President tweeted "Tomorrow: House of Cards. No spoilers, please."

Continue reading: President Obama Requests "No Spoilers" For 'House Of Cards' Season 2

The Obamas were getting into the Christmas spirit on Sunday night (Dec 15th) as they attended the 32nd annual holiday concert 'Christmas In Washington'.

The concert, which is aimed to benefit the Children's National Medical Center, was hosted by 'X-Men' star Hugh Jackman.

The concert boosted musical performers such as Backstreet Boys, who played their holiday hits 'Christmas Time' and 'It's Christmas Time Again', Cheryl Crow, Janelle Monae and actress Anna Kendrick, (via USA TODAY).

Continue reading: Hugh Jackman Joined The Obamas To Celebrate 'Christmas In Washington' Concert

Dennis Rodman topped one of the least desirable end of year lists going, as GQ placed the North Korea-infatuated former NBA star at the top of their annual 'Least Influential People' list. Rodman took home the dubious honour, which was awarded to Mitt Romney last year, beating politicians, pop stars, actors and actresses to the top spot thanks to his strange connection with North Korea and its dictator Kim Jong Un.

Described as a "Q-list celebrity willing to commit borderline treason just to hang out with a dictator who himself aspires to be a Q-list celebrity," by QG (reprinted by the Associated Press), Rodman won't be letter his minute influence get in the way of continuing his self-imposed peace mission in the dictatorship as he continues to travel back and forth to the Asian nation. Rodman revealed this week that he intends on going back to North Korea for the umpteenth time next month, this time going for an exhibition basketball tour.

Disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen took the number two spot, with her racial slurs and subsequent court case with a former employee seeing her once glittering cooking empire crumble around her. The racist restauranteur was followed closely by former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, whose sexting exploits returned to the news for a second time whilst he was running for the New York mayorship in July. GQ described the horny Democrat as " the saddest lecher in American politics, and that's saying something, because they're all lechers."

Continue reading: Miley Cyrus & Barack Obama Among GQ's 'Least Influential' List

Oprah Winfrey is known for her generosity and warm spirit, but when it comes to affordable healthcare for the United State's most needy citizen, it turns out she is as cold hearted as a Republican congressman. At least, that's how it appears on the surface, however the Queen of daytime chat may have another reason for not supporting ObamaCare after all.

Oprah was approached by President Obama to become one of the celebrity spokespersons for ObamaCare, but apparently told the President that she wanted nothing to do with the progressive piece of legislation. A known supporter of President Barrack Obama, Oprah campaigned around the clock during his 2008 election, but it seems that over the years her opinions on the most powerful man on the planet have changed somewhat.

As initially reported by the New York Post, Oprah spurned the chance to join the many celebrities already supporting the Affordable Care Act; a piece of legislation that aims on providing healthcare for the country's most vulnerable and financially challenged citizens. Already, the inclusive bill has gained celebrity backing from Nina Dobrev, Jennifer Hudson and a host of other well-known names, but Oprah wanted nothing to do with the campaign.

Continue reading: Oprah Winfrey Refuses To Sell ObamaCare For President Obama - Is A Feud With Michelle Obama To Blame?

With the launch of its new Affordable Care Act (ACA), AKA Obamacare, The White House needed a little help making the information of its new healthcare scheme accessible. Realising most youngsters spend their time of the internet these days, White House officials invited a group of celebrities to sit and discuss ways of communicating the aims and benefits of Obamacare through pop culture.

Jennifer Hudson Used Her Talents As Actress & Comedian To Help Educate People.

Jennifer Hudson, Amy Poehler, and representatives for both Alicia Keys and Oprah Winfrey headed to The White House to form strategies of introducing Obamacare to the younger generations without making it seem like a lecture.

Continue reading: Jennifer Hudson Spoof's Kerry Washington's 'Scandal' In Support Of Obamacare [Video]

Jennifer Hudson and the online team over at Funny Or Die hooked up for a scandalous campaign promoting the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare as it is more widely known. Spoofing the hit ABC series Scandal, the Oscar-winner parodied Kerry Washington's character from the political drama in a promotional bid to further explain the long-fought-for piece of health care legislation.

Hudson teamed up with Funny or Die for the Obamacare promotional video

Donning an Olivia Pope-esque white trenchcoat, Hudson looked every inch the crisis manager as she met with various in-need people across Washington D.C. to tell them about the numerous benefits afforded to them thanks to Obamacare. Initially meeting with a shady-looking government official-type who asks whether she's "the fixer," to which she tells him, "I prefer covert scandal manager."

Continue reading: Jennifer Hudson Promotes Obamacare With 'Scandal' Spoof

Wentworth Miller, the 41-year-old star of Prison Break, has come out as gay in the most admirable way possible. Instead of doing it by tweet or even a statement via a publicist, Miller penned a letter to the St. Petersburg Film Festival, in which he declined being the guest of honor and even attending, due to the Russian government’s attitude towards LGBT men and women.

Miller's confirmation of his homosexuality was beside the point of his letter.

"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government," the text of Miller’s letter, made available by ABC News, reads. "The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

Continue reading: Russian Anti-LGBT Legislation Leads Wentworth Miller To Come Out As Gay

Willie Robertson is being encouraged to run for congress in Louisiana following his popularity from Duck Dynasty, the A&E reality TV show. “My boys want to run Willie Robertson for the seat," said a key outside advisor to House GOP leadership, according to The Washington Examiner.

The seat has been the seat given up by retiring Republican Rep. Rodney Alexander, and the word is that Roberton has the reputation and popularity to regain the seat for the republicans. While a spokesman for the Robertson family didn't return a request for comment, it is thought the TV celeb won’t want to leave his current situation and dive into the minefield that is the political game.

Continue reading: From Duck Dynasty To Politics? Willie Robertson 'Should' Run For Congress

Ok, well it's not really Bill Clinton covering Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' but presidential speech mixtape maker Barackdubs has done some clever editing, watched hours of Clinton footage and come up with a pretty neat video that seems to show the USA's 42nd president reciting the sordid lyrics of the R&B pop star's hit song.

Bill Clinton Wants To Get Nasty With Democrat Voters.

"I know you want it/I know you want it/you're a good girl," 'sings' Clinton over edited shots of his speeches with a quick cameo from current president Barack Obama. The popular 66 year-old politician hasn't commented upon, shown support for, or even acknowledged the existence of the frankly hilarious video which is perhaps just as well.

Continue reading: Bill Clinton Wants "To Get Nasty" In 'Blurred Lines' Cover Video

In an experiment designed to reveal the true extent of what Guantanamo Bay prisoners are going through, Yasiin Bey – better known by his previous rap pseudonym Mos Def – underwent the mandatory, standard practice of force-feeding.

Bey is a keen political and religious activist

What followed were distressing scenes: Guantanamo doctors inserted a tube up Bey’s nose, feeding him a fluid, presumably with enough nourishment to keep hunger-striking inmates alive. Force feeding aren’t hunger strikes a new thing at Guantanamo, but Islamic tradition of Ramadan has polarized the practice, with Islamic groups lobbying the U.S government to stop doing it during this period. They have responded in kind, only force-feeding inmates at night.

Continue reading: Mos Def's Guantanamo Bay Treatment - Rapper Endures Force Feeding

Shannon Richardson has been indicted for sending poisoned letters to US president Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The letters were not only threatening but contained ricin, a plant which is highly toxic. It is manufactured into a poison which can be lethal if inhaled or injected.

President Barack Obama giving a speech at Applied Materials, Texas.

The charges are two counts of sending threatening letters and one of making a threat against the President. It is possible she could also be charged for the manufacture or possession of a biological substance. Should she be found guilty she will face up to 5 years for each count - a possible 15 years for the charges so far. 

Continue reading: Shannon Richardson: Did She Send Real 'Poison Pen Letters' To Barack Obama?

Rocker Melissa Etheridge has announced she is engaged to sitcom writer Linda Wallem. The couple have been dating since 2010. With the overthrow of the Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA), the couple can now legally wed with the same rights as heterosexual couples in California. 

The folk-rock singer was delighted with the news and immediately tweeted that she would be marrying her long-term partner Wallam. Her twitter status read "I look forward to exercising my American civil liberties and getting fully, completely and legally married this year to my true love of over three years, Linda Wallem".

The happy couple: Melissa Etheridge (L) and Linda Wallem (R) at Pier 60, New York. 

Continue reading: Melissa Etheridge And Linda Wallam Engaged: Will Marry In California Following DOMA Overturn

Viral videos featuring Barack Obama in some capacity rarely go by without a few 100,000 views at the very least, and one of the most recent videos to feature the President of the United States of America is a musical number that looks to continue this trend of exploiting Barack's popularity.

The YouTube channel Baracksdubs uploaded a video of the President 'singing' his own version of Daft Punk' 'Get Lucky,' mashing up speeches and audio clips from the President to recreate the opening verse and first chorus of the hit song by the French duo. Unoriginal; yes, but entertaining; you better believe it!

Baracksdubs have previously mashed up Barack's past statements to make 'Barack Obama Singing Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen' and 'Barack Obama Singing Can’t Touch This by M.C. Hammer,' but his version of 'Get Lucky' might be the best yet. What's more, the video also features clips from Barack's hilarious White House Correspondents' Association dinner video, in which the president pretends to be method actor Daniel Day-Lewis portraying the president for a Steven Spielberg-directed biopic.

Continue reading: Barack Obama's Version Of 'Get Lucky' Is An Internet Smash

The 17th annual Webbys were held tonight (April 30), celebrating the biggest Internet achievements of the year, with the Netflix series House of Cards getting the biggest pat on the back whilst other winners included Frank Ocean, Justin Bieber and The Onion.

Kevin Spacey and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos have proved the worth of quality online programming with House of Cards

House of Cards producers Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti where honoured with a Webby special achievement award for proving that online dramas can be gripping and reward viewing, whilst Netflix also won an award for best streaming media site. The online-turned-full TV comedy series Burning Love was also honoured with a Special Achievement award, with Jerry Seinfeld being handed the Outstanding Comedic Performance award.

Continue reading: Frank Ocean, Barack Obama & 'House Of Cards' Among The Winners At This Years Webby Awards

Don’t believe everything you hear in rap songs, is the latest lesson we got from Jay Z’s little Cuba debacle. After Mr Carter rapped about getting “White House clearance” for his trip with Beyonce to the communist country, president Obama went on record on the Today Show, saying that he was not in any way involved in the decision. "This is not something the White House was involved with. We've got better things to do," Obama cleared things up with host Savannah Guthrie.

The controversy around Jay first began when he and wife Beyonce Knowled jetted off to the communist state for their five year anniversary. This was in the beginning of April and since then, the trip has been called into question multiple times. Since American tourists typically aren’t allowed into Cuba, the legitimacy of the trip was called into question. Additionally, a number of Cuban rights activists declared the vacation insensitive to the struggles of the country’s citizens. However, Jay Z tried to shut up his critics with the song “Open Letter”.

He might be buds with the president, but Jay Z didn't clear his vacation with the man. 

Continue reading: Jay Z Did Not Get A Personal Ok From Obama On His Cuba Trip

Jay-Z released new track 'Open Letter' on Thursday (April 11, 2013), on which he raps about his recent trip to Cuba with superstar wife Beyonce. On it, the mogul says that President Barack Obama told him he'd get "impeached" for the trip, rapping, "Boy from the hood, I got White House clearance. Politicians never did s*it- for me except lie to me, distort history. They wanna give me jail time and a fine. Fine, let me commit a real crime."

He later raps, "Hear the freedom in my speech. Obama said, 'Chill you gonna get me impeached. You don't need this sh*t anyway, chill with me on the beach." The power couple ran into criticism from Senator Marco Rubio and Republicans Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for taking a trip to the communist island. American policy restricts travel to Cuba unless approved by the government. "I'm in Cuba, I love Cubans. This communist talk is so confusing," Jay-Z sings later in the track, which is produced by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. He later references the Bob Dylan song 'Idiot Wind', rapping, "Idiot Wind,' the Bob Dylan of rap music. You're an idiot, baby, you should've become a student. Oh, you gonna learn today."

The U.S. Treasury Department told website POLITICO on Wednesday that while the White House approved the trip's organizers journey to Cuba as part of a cultural learning experience, they were unaware Jay-Z and Beyonce would be attending as it is policy for organizers to provide a list of travellers. 

Continue reading: Jay-Z Shrugs Off Political Criticism Of Cuba Trip In 'Open Letter' [Listen]

The White House concert took place last night, with artists ranging from Booker T. Jones and Justin Timberlake performing at the latest in a long run of special shows put on by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and former Presidents over the years.

“These events have honored the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David” trumpeted a press release before the event, going on to say that they’d “celebrated Hispanic musical heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month; marked Black History Month with events featuring music from the Civil Rights Movement, Motown and the Blues; spotlighted Broadway and the unique spirit of the American musical; and explored the rich roots and resiliency of Country Music.”

There was plenty of celebration in evidence last night (April 9, 2013), and it was the genre of soul that was celebrated. “In the sixties and seventies, Memphis knew its share of division and discord and injustice,” Obama told the audience. Tennessee was, after all, where Martin Luther King, was assassinated. Obama continued that soul music “tried to bridge those divides — to create a little harmony with harmony.” Clearly music close to the heart of the leader, he’d walked on stage to Green Onions, a well-known instrumental tune by Booker T. and the MG’s. 

Continue reading: President Obama Hosts White House Music Bash: Who Was On The Bill?

Psy will perform a new song titled 'Gentleman' for the first time at a concert in South Korea on April 13. The Korean pop star became a global celebrity after his 'Gangnam Style' video became the most watched clip on YouTube, though the 35-year-old is refusing to rest on his laurels.

Speaking to local Korean television on Monday (April 1, 2013), Psy revealed, "The new song is extremely fun and ... what I can tell you is the song title is 'Gentleman'. I can't tell you about the dance but all Koreans know this dance - but (those in) other countries haven't seen it." It appears likely then that 'Gentleman' will feature some kind of traditional Korean dance, perhaps with a contemporary spin. Psy has asked his fans to turn up wearing white clothes at the forthcoming concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in, suggesting a spacesuit or a bridal gown.

Psy certainly appears to be suffering for his art, tweeted a photo of himself covering his face at a recording studio, with the caption, "pain of creation."

Continue reading: Psy Announces New Song 'Gentleman': But What About The Dance?

Beyonce on gay marriage: Beyonce is well known for her humanitarian side, so it has perhaps come as little surprise when the singer voiced her support for gay marriage, posting a picture on to her Instagram page featuring a page of handwritten variations of the lyrics to her song 'Single Ladies' together with the caption "If you like it you should be able to put a ring on it #wewillunite4marriageequality! B."

Beyonce thinks that if you're gay and you like it then you may as well put a ring on it

In less than 24 hours the picture had already gathered more than 220,000 likes, with that number fast rising as the minutes go by. She followed up her initial comment by uploading the emblem for the equality movement, accompanied by the caption "it's about time #equality#prop8#marriageislove show your support!!" to further highlight her fondness for the appeal. Her move mirrors the opinion of her other half, rapper Jay Z, who in 2011 compared discrimination against homosexuals with racism against African Americans and other ethnicities in an interview with CNN.

Continue reading: Beyonce Gay Marriage: Singer Shows Her Support For Equal Rights

The History Channel's new series 'The Bible' has been an unexpected series this year, attracting a high of 13.1 million on Wednesday (March 13, 2013), enough to topple American Idol, which managed just 12.8 million. However, Sunday's episode of the historical drama was the subject of intense controversy after a character representing Satan bore a startling resemblance to President Barack Obama. Are the History Channel putting their political cards on the table?

The devil was played by actor Medhi Ouzaani, though was this simply a casting coincidence? Right-wing commentator Glenn Beck was one of the first to point out the similarity, tweeting, "Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?" Another Twitter user said, "Oh my word...watching The History Channel's The Bible.does Satan look familiar to anyone else?" It was a view shared by Matthew Gaudet who said, "Watching The Bible series on the History channel and noticed the guy playing the role of Satan, looks strikingly similar to Obama."

The incident echoes the furore of HBO's inclusion of George W. Bush's head impaled on a stick during season one of Game of Thrones. After producers pointed out the 'cameo' in DVD commentary, the network froze shipments of box sets and halted sales on iTunes until the offending head was removed. "We were deeply dismayed to see this and find it unacceptable, disrespectful and in very bad taste," HBO said in a statement at the time.

Continue reading: Outrage As 'The Bible's' Satan Resembles President Barack Obama

Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter Blue Ivy is certainly getting an early taste of the high-life! The superstar couple dined with their one-year-old at Gjelina Restaurant on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach this week. Browsing the menu, we're undecided as to whether Blue Ivy opted for the Turkey sandwich or the grilled hangar steak?

Anyway, the couple - being the most famous in the world - opted to leave via the back door, though plenty of photographers had anticipated the movie. In our video, Bey and Jay are accompanied by a member of their security team (who carries Blue Ivy), as they jump into the back of their vehicle. The superstar rapper wears a casual shirt with grey tee and oversized glasses. Beyonce keeps her head firmly down, ignoring one paparazzo who yells, "Did you make the lights go out at the Super Bowl?" Another member of the couple's security team blocks the stars from having their photo taken - celebrities eh?

Continue reading: Have A Kids Menu? Beyonce And Jay-Z Leave Restaurant With Blue Ivy (Video)

President Barack Obama’s Inaugural celebrations for his second term in office were one hell of a shindig. To round it all off, he held an Inaugural ball, for his campaign staffers. For the paltry sum of $10, not only did they get to celebrate with the President and his First Lady themselves, but they were treated to performances from Tony Bennett and Lady GaGa. Yup. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. For $10. Makes you wish you’d signed up to join the campaign team, doesn’t it?

The two singers duetted, with ‘The Lady Is A Tramp,’ although Gaga was looking far from tramp-like, in her wedding-dress style gown, with typically elaborate detailing, including huge puffed-up sleeves. Gaga then went on to sit at the customized, white winged piano, according to Ace Showbiz and played some of her hits, including ‘the Edge of Glory,’ ‘Born This Way’ and ‘You and I.’ Michelle Obama seemed particularly thrilled at the evening’s entertainment. When her husband introduced the two singers, Michelle broke out into a little dance, causing the president to remark “it’s been a long weekend. She’s getting a little silly now.”

Watch Lady Gaga perform at the Inaugural Ball

Continue reading: President Obama's Inaugural Celebrations Rounded Off With Lady Gaga And Tony Bennett

The reigning US President Barack Obama and his First Lady, Michelle Obama enjoy a moment dancing together, as Jennifer Hudson perform for them at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.

Michelle looks stunning, in a long red dress with a cutaway V at the back and low neck line. Obama, wearing a dark suit for the occasion, leads his wife as they dance at the Presidential Inaugural Ball, which took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Watch the Obamas enjoying Jennifer Hudson's performance

Continue reading: Private Moment: Barack Obama And Michelle Obama Dance To Jennifer Hudson (Video)

The Lupe Fiasco inauguration performance went out with a bang when he was removed from the stage having criticized President Obama.

The headline performer at the pre-inauguration StartUp RockOn concert in Washingtop, Lupe Fiasco used the opportunity for quite the opposite effect of what the whole night was supposed to be for. Instead of using his performance time to celebrate the second of Obama's terms, he instead rapped about his disaffection and disillusionment with the current US government and Obama's foreign policies. 

"Gaza Strip was getting bombed, Obama didn't say Sh*t. That's why I ain't vote for him, next one either," he said. He performed one song for 30 minutes, reports say that he had been asked to change the track, but he refused. It's nothing new for Fiasco, back in 2011 he referred to Obama as a terrorist. 

Continue reading: Rapper Removed From Stage After Lupe Fiasco Inauguration Rant

"The NME Awards is the highlight of the music calendar and the most Rock'n'roll party of the year," says NME editor Mike Williams. He's not wrong, and this year's nominations, which have just been released, prove to make this year's party even better.

The bands to be most proud of their nominations this year are new-comers Haim and Tame Impala, both of which have never been nominated in the awards before. Haim's nominations are for 'Best New Band', 'Best Track', 'Best Music Video' and 'Best Twitter' for Alana Haim (@babyhaim). We're not entirely sure what makes a good Twitter, but we're sure she deserves it, mostly because she posted a photo of her kissing a trout. Tame Impala's nominations are for 'Best International Band', 'Best Album', 'Best Track' and 'Best Music Video'. Also with four nominations each are veterans The Rolling Stones, and controversial act, M.I.A. 

This year's heroes and villains are an interesting bunch with Harry Styles and David Cameron undoubtedly leading the troupe for the villains, while Frank Ocean, Barack Obama and Pussy Riot are all up for the Hero award. 

Continue reading: NME Award Nominations Announced: HAIM And Tame Impala Four Nominations Each

Beyonce is showing some big love for her country's biggest events this year, as she sang the American national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, at Barack Obama's second presidential inauguration, as well as being the artist to perform at this year's Superbowl half-time show.

She and Jay-Z have been very vocal about their support of the president over both his campaigns and terms, and the couple of couples have dined together on numerous occasions. As she walked on stage she greeted Michelle Obama, the first lady, with a familial kiss, and spoke to Joe Biden, the Vice President. After she had finished her rousing and, as MTV put it, 'diva-fied' rendition of the anthem, Obama shook her hand and said "Thank you so much."

Kelly Clarkson also performed for the president, singing a historic song popularly known as 'America', otherwise known as My Country, 'Tis of Thee. 

Continue reading: President Obama Thanks Beyonce For Performing At His Inauguration

President Obama's inauguration is the official stepping stone for his continued term. For those who voted for him and believe in his policies it's an important day, for Lupe Fiasco, whose political views don't run in tandem with almost any American policies, the StarUp RockOn concert, in celebration of Obama's inauguration, was a chance for him to air his criticisms on a vastly public scale.

Despite being the headlining act for the concert, Fiasco spent 30 minutes on just one anti-war track in which he criticized Obama for his war policies as well as telling the crowd that he didn't vote for him, the Huffington Post reports. All of this lead to him being removed from the stage by security. 

The very long track included the lyrics: "And these the same people supposedly telling us the truth/ Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn beck is a racist, Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn't say sh*t/ That's why I ain't vote for him, next one either/ I'm part of the problem, my problem is I'm peaceful." 

Continue reading: Lupe Fiasco Incident: Fiasco As Lupe Kicked Off Stage During Inauguration Performance

Aware that children are, indeed, the future, the Kids of America got the best of the entertainment this weekend, at the Kids’ Inaugural – a repeat of the 2009 concert, but this time, with bigger names, playing to a smaller audience. Sasha and Malia Obama were of course, the guests of honour on this special weekend for their father, President Barack Obama, but 5,000 others were present at the exciting pop concert held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, where Katy Perry and Usher took the headline slots, to entertain the gathered youth.

During his set, Usher reinforced the notion that the kids were worth keeping sweet, for the next presidential term, and told them “the youth matters,” during a set described by the Washington Post as “aerobic,” with “twisted limbs clad in black leather, kicking high tops the maraschino cherries.” When he told them to make some noise, they responded with a roar. Katy Perry – an avid supporter of Barack Obama (remember the Katy Perry election dress?) also performed on Saturday night (January 19, 2013). This time, she’d switch up the ballot dress for a “star-spangled onesie” and she treated the kids to some of her biggest hits, including ‘Teenage Dream’ and ‘Firework.’

Also performing for the Kids’ Inaugural were the Far East Movement and Glee’s Darren Criss and Naya Rivera, who covered ‘Valerie,’ the song made famous by Amy Winehouse. If you’re wondering why the kids are getting to have all the fun, don’t worry: Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor are all warming up their vocal cords, to sing for the grown-ups at the official inauguration ceremony today (January 21, 2013). 

Continue reading: Kids' Inaugural 2013: Katy Perry And Usher Provide Highlights With Aerobic Acts And A Star-Spangled Onesie

Channel 4 must be breathing a huge sigh of relief that they didn’t decide to invite Frankie Boyle on this year’s Big Fat Quiz show, because they’ve managed to cause enough controversy, without having the sharp-tongued Scotsman on board. This year, the damage has been done largely by Jack Whitehall and James Corden, who were openly drinking a bottle of red wine throughout the show and made a number of crude jokes about The Queen, as well as Barack Obama and Susan Boyle.

Lord Burns, the chairman of Channel 4, declined the opportunity to speak to the Daily Mail about the show, but the British newspaper is up in arms about its distasteful content. The outrage has spread beyond the press, though, with Tory MP Conor Burns – a member of the Commons’ culture media and sport select committee – demanding to know why the show was aired as early as 9pm. “I actually watched some of the broadcast because we are staying with family for the holidays and I found it quite distasteful,” said the MP. “It was base, unfunny comedy and in some ways I thought its greater crime really was that it just wasn’t funny.”

At one point during the show, James Corden and Jack Whitehall attempted to cover up one of their answers, aware that it was inappropriate, but eventually revealed what they had written on the screen anyway. A sample of the ‘vulgar’ comedy on display during the quiz was Whitehall’s comment about Cary Rae Jepsen: “If you had given your number to someone like Carly Rae Jepsen and discovered how annoying she was, you would suck someone’s c*** to get rid of her.”

Psy's Gangnam Style became the most-watched YouTube video in history last week, though the South-Korean native has now well and truly cemented his place in popular culture with a dictionary inclusion! 

'Gangnam Style' - Psy's signature song featuring THAT horse-riding dance routine - has been chosen as one of Collins' Dictionary words of the year. OK, so it's more of a phrase (or title) than a word, but it joins a select group of other unconventional 'words' that encapsulate 2012, including "fiscal cliff" and "Romneyshambles." Ian Brookes, the dictionary's consultant editor said, "We were looking for words that told the story of the year. Some words are from events that have been and gone and so are not likely to stick around... but others are probably here to stay." Fiscal cliff refers to President Obama, Congress and government spending, while Romneyshambles specifically refers to Mitt Romney's gaffe-ridden visit to London in July in which he questioned Britain's readiness to host the Olympics. 

Though the words including on this year's list have no guarantee of inclusion into the next dictionary, Brookes said Gangnam Style has a decent chance. "It's obviously a craze, so there's the possibility it will go away. But it's been heard by so many people that I think it's probably earned the right to go into the dictionary."

Continue reading: Psy's 'Gangnam Style' Gets Dictionary Inclusion!

Ben Affleck may be playing down rumors that he’s planning to run for senate but that hasn’t stopped the gossip. The Argo director was recently in Washington to discuss the issues of violence plaguing Congo and when asked about his political ambitions, told the Politico blog “That’s not what I’m here to talk about. I’m here to talk about the role we can play in making the Eastern Congo a better place.” Playing down the rumors, then, but certainly not denying them.

Those rumors suggest that Affleck could be a potential candidate for senator in Massachusetts. John Kerry is widely believed to be replacing Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, according to Politico and if that happened, that Massachusetts seat would be up for grabs. Alec Gerlach, John Kerry’s spokesman reportedly declined the opportunity to discuss Ben Affleck’s political ambitions. He did, however, confirm that Affleck and Kerry planned to meet, along with other members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which Kerry chairs.

During his testimony, Ben Affleck urged President Barack Obama to take action over the plight of Congo. “Resolving the cycle of violence does not necessarily require a significant new financial investment by the United States or U.S. boots on the ground. It does, however, require American political leadership — moral leadership even — to bring the parties together to address the larger sources of instability in the region… I may be naive, but I believe that our actions in foreign policy represent our values as a country — they represent who we are as a people.” It remains to be seen whether or not Ben Affleck will ditch his movie career in favor of a life in politics but those rumors certainly seem to be gaining substance.

With only one successful song under his belt so far, South Korean viral sensation Psy sure knows how to stick around in the news on a daily basis. Earlier this week a song performed by the singer at a 2004 concert in his native South Korea was unearthed featuring some rather unsavoury lyrics aimed towards America. Needless to say, not everybody was happy about it.

Regardless of the inflammatory lyrics he once held in his repertoire, not everyone is as unforgiving as many predicted and the singer has hardly been affected by a backlash from angry Americans. Psy had been scheduled to perform in front of President Barack Obama and his family at this years annual Christmas in Washington, and despite the fact that a torrent of objection has been spewed in regards to his appearance at the event, it looks like the show will go on for Psy. The broadcasters of the event, TNT, have confirmed that Psy would still perform as planned, and have made no mention to any of his past performances.

In lieu of the unravelling of his past, Psy recently issued a public apology for the events that happened at concerts in 2002 and 2004 respectively. After expressing his gratitude at the freedom of expression he is granted as a human being, he went on to apologise to anyone who he may have hurt with his lyrics, adding, “I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words.”

As entertainers from stage and screen were recognized for their contributions to the arts and American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors, it seemed as though a competition was forming: who could grab the most laughs with a witty address. Reuters had the scoop. 

"I worked with the speechwriters - there is no smooth transition from ballet to Led Zeppelin," joked President Barack Obama in deadpan while introducing the honorees at a ceremony in the White House East Room. And while Obama is one charismatic cat, we're pretty sure Robert De Niro can outgun him. "Dustin Hoffman is a pain the ass," said the former honoree, introducing the film star. "And he inspired me to be a bit of a pain in the ass too," De Niro continued with a big smile. "It's most incredible because it looks like I lived two lives," Natalia Makarova told reporters before the event. "I've come a long way, baby, no? That's the way someone said it for me." We're not sure we get that one.

Here's comedian Tina Fey, who was honoured with the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2010, on Letterman: "David Letterman is a professor emeritus at the 'Here's Some More Rope Institute,'" while the man himself decided to save the quips for his show. "I was full of trepidation, but now I am full of nothing but gratitude," he said. "I don't believe this, but it's been nice for my family." So who wins? We're going to plump for The President of The United States. 

Led Zeppelin have been honored at the annual Kennedy Centre Honours event, with President Barack Obama on hand to give the legendary British rock group a touching tribute. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, chat show host David Letterman, blues star Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova were others to receive Kennedy Center Honors at the event on Sunday night, but all eyes were on Led Zeppelin who achieved critical and commercial acclaim throughout the late 1960’s and 70’s.

"When Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham burst onto the musical scene in the late 1960's, the world never saw it coming” opened Obama. "There was this singer with a mane like a lion and a voice like a banshee, a guitar prodigy who left people’s jaws on the floor, a versatile bassist who was equally at home on the keyboards, a drummer who played like his life depended on it.”

Obama also pointed out – perhaps a little inaccurately – that America were the first to take to the group, saying “When the Brits initially kept their distance, Led Zeppelin grabbed America from the opening chord. We were ready for what Jimmy called songs with "a lot of light and shade". He finished "It’s been said that a generation of young people survived teenage angst with a pair of headphones and a Zeppelin album ... but even now, 32 years after John Bonham’s passing - and we all I think appreciate the fact - the Zeppelin legacy lives on." The group recently released a DVD of their one-off comeback show from 2007 at the O2 Arena in London, though they’ve expressed no desire to reunite for any more live shows.