9 to 5: the Musical serves girl power Dolly-style

My mom and I attended the opening of 9 to 5: the Musical last night at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.

Seeing as I'm missing Pride this weekend (more details on my alternate plans later), 9 to 5 seemed an appropriate replacement activity to exercise my gayness.

It also proved to be a delightful couple hours of light entertainment.

For those (like me) who havent' seen the 1980 movie of the same name, the story follows three women out to prove themselves in the workplace in the 70s.

Violet strives to prove her abilities to her jerk of a boss; Judy strives to prove she can be independent, after her husband leaves her for his secretary; and Doralee, a role originated by Dolly Parton, strives to prove to her colleagues she's more than blonde hair and big boobs.

Naturally, I related most to Doralee, as time and time again I have to convince people to look beyond my distractingly good looks and take me seriously as a person.

The trio of leads really shone, through comedic and poignant moments, where I found myself rallying behind 'Girl Power' for not the first time in my life.

Former American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo portrayed Doralee with incredible likeness to Dolly Parton in voice and mannerisms; Dee Hoty was Allison Janney-esque in her portrayal of the strong, career-driven Violet (coincidentally, I just learned, Janney originated this role in the Broadway production); and Mami Parris really stood out as Judy, transforming from an unsure lost woman to one of confidence, grace and great dance moves.

A pre-intermission series of song and dance numbers encapsulated the innocent goofiness of the show, as each of the leading women imagined how they would off their boss if they had the chance, after smoking up together. Meanwhile, dialogue included cheeky references to modern-day events the characters were blissfully unaware would become reality.

Bright and largely two-dimensional set pieces that the cast placed themselves kept the mood light and constantly-moving.

And Dolly fans were graced with her presence at the outset and conclusion of the show, as she appeared via recording to provide context, projected onto a large hanging clock.

Vibrant with a cartoon-like sense of humour, 9 to 5: the Musical is driven by heart and the desire to provide the audience a great ol' night of entertainment. As I sit here listening to Dolly's original version of the show's title track on repeat, I'm pretty sure it worked.

The Look: Diane Kruger in Vionnet

Diane Kruger looked gorge as she arrived with boyfriend Josh Jackson to Tuesday night's Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso 80th anniversary celebration in France.

The 34-year-old actress wore a lovely Vionnet fall 2011 dress, featuring deep blue laminated macramé lace.

She accessorized with a gold Jaeger-Lecoultre Grande Reverso watch and drop earrings.

Keeping her hair down, she managed to look elegant yet no-fuss.

Ms. Kruger also worked that hot pink trend we've been noticing, with a fushia satin clutch.

Shoes are Gucci.

Just 'cause

Daniel Radcliffe looked every bit the adorbs little man he is, as he arrived at at a gala hosted by the Trevor Project, where he was honoured with an award for his support of the GLBT help line and related services.

The 21-year-old Harry Potter star cleaned up real nice on the red carpet, and spoke eloquently about what the award means to him.

"The fact that I'm able to help with something like this makes me very, very proud. It's a huge honor, and it's lovely of them to give it to me. I'll say it again later, but the real heroes are the people who are staffing those call centers and picking up the phones saving lives every single day," he said.

"It's incredibly important because all over the country there are many young people who are going through incredibly difficult times coming out or accepting who they are or coming to terms with who they are. And it's wonderful that compassionate, brave people work at the Trevor Project and are ready to take calls 24 hours a day to help those people."

Love. Him.

Hermione and Malfoy sitting in a tree ...

"He was my first crush. He totally knows. We talked about it — we still laugh about it. We are really good friends now, and that's cool." -- Emma Watson, on her Harry Potter costar Tom Felton

On the cover: Shia LaBeouf for Details

Shia The Beef brings his bad self to the August 2011 cover of Details.

The 25-year-old actor has another Transformers movie coming out this summer.

And while I'd love to love The Beef, Shia sure does a great job at coming off pompous and douchesque in interviews.

To his credit, at least he realizes it.

“I would like to be George Clooney– diplomatic,” he tells the mag. “I just don’t have the wherewithal yet or the inner serenity. My bullshit meter is tuned very sensitive. The minute it starts kicking up, I get back to truth, and sometimes that involves, you know, ‘I don’t want to take a picture.’ And if that’s the case, am I an asshole for being honest? Or am I an asshole for being dishonest, smiling in your picture and I fucking hate being there? Which one is worse? These are the questions I ask myself that George Clooney doesn’t ask.”

The Beef goes on to discuss romantic escapades with Hilary Duff , Isabel Lucas and Carey Mulligan. As for Transformers costar Megan Fox, he admits to hooking up with her, but won't confirm or deny whether or not she was dating Brian Austin Green at the time.

“Look, you’re on the set for six months, with someone who’s rooting to be attracted to you, and you’re rooting to be attracted to them,” he explains. “I never understood the separation of work and life in that situation. But the time I spent with Megan was our own thing, and I think you can see the chemistry onscreen.”

For more of this little rascal, click over here, and ch-check out his full Details shoot after the cut.

On the cover: Emma Stone for Vanity Fair

Emma Stone is pinup perfect on the August 2011 cover of Vanity Fair.

The 22-year-old actress has no less than three movies coming up this summer -- Friends With Benefits, Crazy Stupid Love, and The Help -- and tells the mag she owes her career to dropping out of high school.

"“I did Superbad in what would’ve been my senior year,” she says. “I was playing a senior, and had I graduated I would’ve missed that opportunity, and had I missed that opportunity I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Stone, whose refreshing personality makes her stand out among a crowd of teen stars, is helped along by being self-aware and jokey in her Vanity Fair interview.

“I think I’m a Type A personality who’s trying to convince herself she’s Type B,” the actress says, admitting that she still lays out her clothes and sets her coffee-maker for the morning the night before. She also jokes that her only vices are sugar, wine, and black-tar heroin.

“That’s pretty much it, the heroin, the sugar, and the wine—nothing too crazy.”

For more of Emma Stone's Vanity Fair cover story click here.

One more photo inside.

Canada's Walk of Fame to get hunky

Hunk Ryan Reynolds, actress Sandra Oh and comedian Russell Peters are among those set to join Canada's Walk of Fame, organizers announced today.

Also making the cut for 2011 are The Guess Who's Burton Cummings, astronaut Roberta Bondar and tennis star Daniel Nestor.

Meanwhile, writer Mordechai Richler will receive a postuhumous honour with the Canadian Legends Award.

This year's inductees will be among 131 other Canadians who have stars cemented into Toronto's entertainment district sidewalks.

Each will receive their tribute on Saturday, October 1 at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre.

NXNE discovery: Rich Aucoin

The highlight of my North by Northeast concert-going experience by far this year was Rich Aucoin's show at the Garrison on Friday June 24.

In fact, I may even be so bold as to say it was the best thing I've experienced at North by Northeast ever. While a typical scene at the city-wide music festival may see cross-armed hipsters slightly bobbing their heads to show enthusiasm, never have I seen an audience so engaged to move, dance, and sweat.

Recommended by Janice Wong, Aucoin brought a high-energy enthusiasm to his brand of electro-pop that got the whole room moving.

Armed with a keyboard and microphone, Aucoin was intent on audience participation, projecting lyrics on a screen behind him, and guiding us through preparatory chants.

And even the snobbiest of concert-goers would not have been able to resist once Aucoin got the party going by launching numerous blasts of confetti into the crowd. He came with his own confetti! You can't beat that.

Throughout his set it was clear there were no barriers between Aucoin and the crowd, as he jumped into the audience, crowd-surfed and at one point had us all down on one-knee as we sang along with him.

It couldn't have gotten more joyful, however, than when Aucoin threw out a multi-coloured parachute into the audience, encouraging us to dance underneath it.

Much like in childhood, the parachute served as a fort of fun, as we let loose under its rainbowed-shelter.

[I realize as I write this, it also allows me to cross #22: (inevitably sweaty) dance party off my Summer Fun List.]

It was a truly delightful, energy-filled, and enthralling concert experience, that I daresay was so very un-Toronto.

The only problem, Janice Wong and I later discovered, is that it's kind of impossible to describe Aucoin's music and the thrill of his performance without just experiencing it.

"With enthusiasm" is the best way Janice Wong thought to describe Aucoin, and I don't think anyone can argue with that.

[photo via blurasis]

On the cover: Mila Kunis for Flare

Mila Kunis is positively stunning on the August 2011 cover of Flare.

The 27-year-old Friends With Benefits star tells the mag she has addictions just like anybody else.

“I love bad TV, so if I can just stay home on a Sunday and catch up on my horrible reality shows, with my dogs and my Pinkberry, to me that’s heaven," she says.

I'd take 1990s sitcoms and a bag of chips, but same idea I think.

Photographed by Tony Duran, Mila models a dress by Lanvin and earrings by Le Vian, plus bracelets by Pamela Love and Cartier (Mila's own) on the cover.

Rachel McAdams: She's just like us!

Rachel McAdams was photographed out and about in Toronto over the weekend.

The 32-year-old Canadian actress was first snapped on the subway, sitting alongside boyfriend Michael Sheen.

"Saw Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen making out/ hugging on the subway today lol," a local tweeted, with the above photo.

Later, Ms. McAdams also agreed to a photo with a staff member at Menchie's frozen yogourt on Bloor, which was also tweeted.

How much do I love that Rachel McAdams takes the TTC? A lot.

Though I could imagine these sneaky cell phone photos could deter a celeb from continuing.

Summer Fun List #47: Cousin Time!

After a hectic couple weeks, I was delighted to take some time this weekend and cross #47 off my Summer Fun List: Cousin Time!

Saturday night my brothers and I headed to our aunt and uncle's house in Caledon for a party to send off my cousin Nick, who's soon moving to Halifax.

As you can imagine, food and drinks were consumed, and laughs were had, as the family caught up out in the backyard.

We did a fair amount of reminiscing of summers past, sharing camping stories from our youth.

My grandma, meanwhile, went on a roll of hilarious tale-telling, one of which involved the neighbours getting into questionable shenanigans in her backyard rhubarb patch.

Once the sun set, my uncle got a great fire blazing in the back fire pit, which extended the fun into the night.

As hours passed, guests dwindled, and some dozed off.

A select few enjoyed each other's company until 5 in the morning, when we could tell the sun was starting beginning to rise, and the birds began to chirp.

Taking that as a cue, we decided to head to sleep. And even though our late night made for a groggy Sunday, it sure was worth it to spend quality time with the family.

Monday deliciousness: Stephen Moyer

Here's a little something hot for True Blood fans, to extend the joy of last night's season four premiere into your Monday.

Series star Stephen Moyer shows off his toned physique in the new issue of Men's Health.

The 41-year-old British actor who takes the mag's July/August cover (see inside), says his fine physical form doesn't come without work.

“There’s no immediate payoff. Sometimes it feels like it’s taking forever to see results. It takes commitment and time, but when you start to see results—when you feel a bit leaner or you’re doing more reps - you start to think, Wow, I can see a difference! And it’s palpable. I recommend it.”

And I recommend you keep doing what you're doing, because damn you look good, Mr. Moyer.

Happy Monday!

Bonus deliciousness: Joe Manganiello

Meanwhile, True Blood costar Joe Manganiello gets his shirt off for the July 2011 issue of GQ.

The perfectly buff actor models summer vacation style for the magazine, which in his case includes swim trunks and a well-defined six-pack.

Joe's body is almost too built for my liking, but I mean, I wouldn't kick him out of bed or anything.

Click inside for another GQ photo, as well as a shirtless workout video he just shot for Details.

(These True Blood boys don't quit, do they?)

The Look: Hilary Swank in Elie Saab

Hilary Swank looked beautiful as she arrived to the International Indian Film Academy Awards, Saturday evening in Toronto.

The two-time Oscar winner wore a dazzling red beaded Elie Saab couture gown.

The fit is perfection on Ms. Swank, and the colour is just delish on her.

She accessorized with a gold clutch and diamon earrings, and swept her hair up into an elegant bun.

Just stunning.

MMVA Flickr update

Hey friends.

I know the MMVAs were a week ago, and you're likely getting sick of me posting about them.

So you'll be happy to know that this is the final roundup of content I have from my trip to the annual awards show last week.

Here I present to you my exclusive photos from the red carpet, and inside the press room.

Among those photographed are Colin Farrell, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Simple Plan, Howie Dorough and Shawn Desman.

As a fun game, I challenge you to flick through and see how many of the stars you actually recognize.

I will admit, there are a number of female television stars I had to cross-reference with Wireimage's photo bank.

MMVA Talk: Simple Plan, Nina Dobrev and Dev

If there's one thing I know about Out Is Through readers, it's that they all pretty much love Simple Plan.

So you didn't honestly think I would let their appearance at the MMVAs last week go by with just a brief mention on my blog did you?

Oh no, of course I wouldn't.

Here's the audio from their press room interview last week, in addition to audio interviews with Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev, and singer Dev.


Simple Plan on their red carpet outfits, being the older guys at the MMVAs, and an aging fanbase.




Nina Dobrev on being back in Toronto, advice to aspiring performers, and street meat.




Dev on winning an MMVA before releasing an album, girl power, and being on top of the world.

Sighting!

by Renee

On Sunday my friend Meg and I went for a beautiful Sunday stroll through the market.

Okay that's a lie, Meg and I set out to see what was being filmed a few blocks from my apartment. I had heard that Mischa Barton was in town and my inner stalker just couldn't sit still. Meg and I have had pretty good luck with celebrities sightings (see NYC Apprentice), so we joked that upon arriving we would see Mischa right away.

Well ... that's exactly what happened. While reminising about NYC, and yes at that very moment I was singing "I will do anything for love" out loud, we almost walked right into Mischa. On our first sighting Mischa was wrapped in a towel - why I don't know. Our second sighting found her wearing an incredibly cute outfit - Peach top and navy skirt.

Mischa is in town filming a TV movie called Offline which is co-starring Dan Levy (I'll keep be keeping my eyes peeled for him in the coming days).

Just 'cause

Ryan Kwanten looked extra yum as he arrived at Tuesday night's True Blood season four premiere in L.A.

The 34-year-old Australian stud paired a navy blazer with a multi-coloured gingham shirt, skinny tie, and rumpled yellow pocket square -- quite the combo!

Even better, at the premiere costar Carrie Preston teased we can expect to see Kwanten and the other male cast out of their clothes, as per usual, this season.

"You'll be satisfied," she said. "They like to get the clothes off those boys as much as they can."

No complaints here!

The Look: Liv Tyler in Stella McCartney

For the second time this month Liv Tyler has made me take note with her bang-on fashion sense.

The 33-year-old actress rocked a fantastic royal blue Stella McCartney dress to a New York screening of The Ledge on Tuesday night.

Featuring black side panels, the dress fit Liv to perfection and showed off her fantastic figure.

She finished off the look with black Christian Louboutin heels and a matching Stella McCartney faux leather clutch.

Side-swept curls and punchy red lips top off this beautiful look.

Pink introduces daughter Willow to the world

Pink has introduced the world to her three-week-old bundle of joy Willow Sage, with this photo taken for People magazine one week after her birth.

"You hear people say it all the time, how life changes so drastically. But you can't possibly grasp how beautiful that is until you have your child," Pink, pictured with baby daddy Cary Hart, tells the mag.

What a gorgeous photo -- not to mention a gorgeous baby!

I'm so happy for Pink and her family.

While I selfishly await new music from Pink, I'm so glad she's loving being a mom right now.

Stop the presses!

Kristen Stewart walked the red carpet at Tuesday night's A Better Life premiere, part of the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The 21-year-old Twilight star looked great in an Alternative Apparel black v-neck, 7 For All Mankind skinny jeans and Brian Atwood pumps.

But that's not the shocking part. Here's the shocking part.

Look at that girl's face. Particularly, her mouth. Look closer. Soak it in.

Yes, that's right. Kristen Stewart's teeth are exposed and her lips are turned upward in a smile-like formation as if to say "Hey, I'm feeling kind of happy."

She looks more comfortable in these photos than I've ever seen her on a red carpet or at an event.

Is she leaving her Awkward Annie persona behind? Only time will tell.

Quick take: Britney Spears' 'I Wanna Go' video

Britney Spears released the video for 'I Wanna Go' yesterday, the third single off her Femme Fatale album.

And while she does absolutely no dancing in the clip, save for some head-bopping and fist-pumping, I think the final product is quite entertaining.

The vid sees a fed-up Britney blow off an inane press conference and take to the streets to cause some ruckus, while battling some android members of the paparazzi.

It's self-referential, tongue-in-cheek and just plain fun.

Love love love the Crossroads reference.

What do you think of Britney's 'I Wanna Go' video?!

David Guetta on Britney, Nicki Minaj and Snoop

I had no idea David Guetta would be so charming.

The French house music producer and DJ exuded a ton of positive energy as he came backstage to answer questions at Sunday night's MuchMusic Video Awards.

I quickly learned he's one of those people who can make you smile through his own excitement for what's going on around him.

So much so that I simply had to post the audio, hoping you'll be able to catch some of his vibes.

Check out a few choice quotes from his press room Q&A below, or press play for full audio, in which he also discusses working with Snoop Dogg, his next album, and who he still hopes to work with.

Any truth to rumours about a single with Britney Spears?

It’s not happening. We spoke about doing something with Will.I.Am. and her, and to be honest we didn’t have the time to finish. To tell you the truth, we started something and I was in the middle of my album, she was also really into hers, so I’m sure we’ll do it sometime, but we didn’t finish it. But I wish her the best.

You had to really chase after Nicki Minaj to get her to work with you. Are there any other artists you’ve had to continuously bug to work with?

Usually I never really court artists, they usually call me so I can produce for them. But I was really a big fan of her work a long time ago, so yes I did. I chased her, and it finally happened, and there’s my new single [with Minaj] ‘Where Them Girls At,’ and that’s having a great start. And then we have another very good one coming together, and I think people are going to be very, very surprised by this one, because I took her somewhere really new and I’m really excited about it.

You have a huge gay following. What are your thoughts on gay marriage and the gay movement?

Um, the gay movement? I didn’t know it was a movement. As you probably know, house music was born in gay clubs and actually I worked for 10 years at the gay clubs so I know this world very well. Because I was always into house music, and the only place where I could play it was gay clubs. And gay clubs were so much better. I don’t think it’s like this anymore – I think ... now it’s just like because gays are more accepted, they also became more normal, which is not as fun.

You’re a producer who gets credit above the performer on a song. When did you realize you reached that superstar level as a producer?

You have to understand where I’m coming from. My music became pop because a lot of those artists came to me to make records for them, but I’m not coming from the pop world. So in my world, we follow DJs and producers, we don’t really follow singers. So I know it sounds crazy to normal people, but that’s how it goes in the house music scene.

All my life I was buying records because they were produced by this DJ or that DJ. So I made a name for myself as a DJ, and I had my people following ... Then when I had proposals from people to make records for them, first I was working with urban artists … And so they came because they loved my music. They came to have fun with me in the studio, but without imagining it was going to become so big, especially from America where they’re from. So it was more like “Oh let’s do a record together” just for fun, but it was not me working for them, it was like me inviting them in my world.

Sighting!

On Saturday Ashley, Darran, Janice Wong and I attended a POP-NXNE rooftop barbecue atop Redbull's Queen St. offices.

It was a festive afternoon of sun, snacks and a few complementary beverages.

It was also an afternoon of spotting former Degrassi star Adamo Ruggiero sitting across the way, in supertight black jeans, brown boots and a grey tee with an incredibly loose neck.

He was also wearing a hat.

Janice texted her friend across the patio to let him know he was sitting right next to a former Degrassi star, in case he didn't realize.

We watched as he received the text, took note, and responded.

"He's nice, but he ain't no Drake."

Touché.

Later Mr. Ruggiero touched Darran's back! (To move him out of the way and get to the food, other friends, or something).

"It was pretty thrilling," Darran said, in a statement I made up just now.

The Look: Evan Rachel Wood in Dolce & Gabbana

One of my favourite young fashionistas Evan Rachel Wood debuted a new short hairdo that topped off a sexy look on the red carpet of last night's True Blood season four premiere in L.A.

The 23-year-old actress complemented her edgy new cut with grey Dolce & Gabbana pants and a vest, featuring animal print on the back.

She accessorized with patterned pumps and red suspenders.

I just love how Evan keeps us guessing with what look she'll rock next!

How do you feel about this look?

Justin Timberlake on ...

FASHION REGRETS:
"God, I feel I’ve gone to therapy just to erase some of them. The cornrows I wore with ’N Sync. That was pretty bad. Britney and I wore matching denim outfits [to the 2001 American Music Awards]. Yeah, another bad choice. I’d probably pay good money to get some of those pictures off the internet."

WHETHER HE'LL EVER PERFORM AN NSYNC SONG AGAIN:
"I don’t think so. It would have to be a really special scenario. I still talk to the guys occasionally. I probably talk to Joey [Fatone] and Chris [Kirk­patrick] more than J.C. [Chasez] and Lance [Bass]. I’d say I text back and forth with Joey once a month."

HANGING ON-SET OF 'THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB' WITH RYAN GOSLING:
"It was silly stuff mostly. We weren’t into anything too dangerous. Ryan and I were partners in crime on that show, and I remember one time we skipped school, took a golf cart and rode to the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids set. We got milk shakes. Those are the kinds of badasses we were."

BEING HIGH WHEN ASHTON KUTCHER 'PUNK'D' HIM:
"Yeah. I actually stopped smoking pot for nine to 10 months after that. I was so stoned. If you ask my friends, if they’re honest they would probably say that’s the only way to get me as dizzy as I was. What you didn’t see from the episode, because it was a 45-minute affair cut down to 10 minutes, was me showing up and being like, 'What the fuck are you people doing on my property? Get the fuck off my property! Get the fuck out of here!” Then they started rattling off my parents’ address, and I was like, “Holy shit. Hold on a second.' I mean, everybody was got good on that show—me probably the best."

PERFORMING WITH THE ROLLING STONES AT 2003'S SARSTOCK IN TORONTO:
"That was terrible. I mean, I got beer cans thrown at me the whole fucking day. That was the most humiliated I ever felt as a musician. Imagine, you get a call from Mick Jagger. 'i’d really like you to come and do the Stars for SARS benefit.' You say, 'Of course.' Then you get there and the bill is the Stones, AC/DC, the Guess Who. I said, 'Is there no one else here in my genre? This could be bad.' I remember saying to my band, 'Hey, guys, I don’t know what’s going to happen, so just brace yourselves.' And it was worse than I expected. My set was four songs, 15 minutes, and it was literally raining beer cans and glass bottles the whole time from 500,000 people who wanted to see AC/DC and not my sorry ass."

More at the source.

ICYMI: 'The Muppets' full trailer

After releasing a few teasers, here's the first full trailer for The Muppets, the new movie starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams and The Muppets.

As this preview further suggests, there's a ton to look forward to here when the movie is released November 23.

Action! Comedy! Adventure! Song and dance numbers! Muppet Show references!

A definite must-see.

Lady Gaga says: Be friends with the press

After sitting for three hours in the MMVA press room, waiting as some of the show's most famous guests bypassed the media, everyone was thrilled to find out Lady Gaga was actually going to come answer questions.

The energy and anticipation in the room sure did build over the 15 minutes we waited for her. Every last seat was filled, while those standing had to clear room for her to enter. Chairs and microphones were removed, then replaced from the stage. Until eventually Lady Gaga emerged. Oh how happy we were!

In our short time with her, Gaga proved more than game to answer questions as honestly as possible. Moderator Traci Melchior tried to wrap after asking only a couple of her own questions, and I love the look on Gaga's face when the press room objected.

Since Gaga was game for more time with us, one reporter asked her to comment on her decision to give us the time that some other celebs didn't.

"I would say the press is your friend, and it's all an art form," she responded. "You choose what the public views and what the public sees of you. And I believe I'm private in public at all times ... So you should be friends with the press."

Hear that Colin Farrell? Trevor Donovan? Selena Gomez? Avril Lavigne? Snoop Dogg? Ian Somerhalder? Bruno Mars?

You should be friends with me. Lady Gaga said so.

Seriously though, I couldn't stop smiling as Lady Gaga walked by me in her ridiculous shoes, and spoke quite casually to the press.

I think I'm crushing on her more than I ever thought I would.

Oh hey there, yous guys

Chace Crawford, Darren Criss, Ryan Kwanten and Zachary Quinto were photographed together at the Versace spring/summer 2012 menswear fashion show yesterday in Milan, Italy.

That is one hella-fine super-suited manwich, I do declare.

Backstage at the #MMVAs

Blake McGrath, Nina Dobrev, Howie Dorough
A plethora of musicians, television stars and celebs I'd never heard of hit the media room at last night's MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, and I was there to document every revealing moment.

Let's break it down:

NEVEREST, a modern-day boy band who recently opened for NKOTBSB walked the red carpet with HOWIE DOROUGH earlier in the evening, so when they hit the press room stage my first immediate thought was "There is a Backstreet Boy somewhere in my midst." Before you knew it, HOWIE D was called on stage where the men shared a whole lot of love. NEVEREST love plaing music, they love Toronto, and they love HOWIE D, who has a new solo single.

J. DIGGZ and NEVERENDING WHITE LIGHTS, who won the MuchFACT Indie Video of the Year award revealed they had actually met each other at MuchMusic years ago -- a collab in the making. The award is an indication that hard work pays, J. DIGGZ said. "And now to the alcohol," he exclaimed as he departed the stage.

Monday deliciousness: Andrew Garfield

Oh hey there, Spiderman.

Andrew Garfield showed off a lean and fit bod as he hit the beach in Maui on Friday.

The 27-year-old British star of The Social Network and the upcoming Spiderman movie was joined by Tron: Legacy star Garrett Hedlund.

The duo were in town to attend the Maui Film Festival, where they were both honoured with awards for their rising stardom.

Really though, I think we're the winners, as we get to enjoy these photos of their shirtless bromance at the beach.

More photos inside.

Happy Monday!

Lady Gaga talks gay rights in #MMVA press room

Lady Gaga (in archive Gianni Versace) graced the media room with her presence at last night's MuchMusic Video Awards, where she spoke of her love of Canadian fans, her artistic process, and gay rights.

"I feel really blessed. I get this really interesting feeling when I'm around here because Canada was the first place that I broke, so whenever I'm here I feel like a new artist," she said.

Gaga, who opened the MMVAs with Edge Of Glory and closed the show with Born This Way, also discussed her performance inspiration.

"Everything that I do onstage all comes from some sort of dream or imaginative journey that I've gone on," she said.

Before she could be whisked away, the media got a question in about gay rights, and recent criticism from some gays that she doesn't actually represent their interests.

Press play above to hear her articulate response.

2011 #MMVA Winners

Lady Gaga and Stratford, Ont.'s own Justin Bieber walked away the big winners at last night's MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, each snagging two awards apiece.

Gaga, who opened and closed the show with performances from her latest album Born This Way, won International Video of the Year - Artist for 'Judas' and the fan-voted UR Fave International Video for 'Born This Way.'

Young Biebs, who made an appearance to support MMVA host and girlfriend Selena Gomez, took home UR Fave New Artist (he's still new?). He also tied for International Video of the Year By a Canadian, sharing the honour with Drake.

Other winners included Shawn Desman's 'Electric/Night Like This' for Video of the Year, Down With Webster's 'Whoa Is Me' for Pop Video of the Year, Abandon All Ships' "Geeving' for Rock Video of the Year, Classified's 'That Ain't Classy' for Hip-Hop Video of the Year and Fefe Dobson's 'Stuttering' for UR Fave Video.

So You Think You Can Dance contestant turned So You Think You Can Dance Canada choreographer/judge turned singer Blake McGrath took Cinematography of the Year for 'Relax.'

Meanwhile, JDiggz featuring Neverending White Lights won Indie Video of teh Year for 'This Time.'

Click inside for a full list of 2011 MMVA winners, and keep checking back this week for exclusive photos and interviews from backstage.

Heading to the #MMVAs

Hey friends, exciting news.

For the second year in a row I'll be watching the MuchMusic Video Awards from the press room at Much headquarters.

Do you know what this means?

It means if scheduled guests like Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg and Colin Farrell enter the press room, I'll be breathing the same air as scheduled guests like Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg and Colin Farrell.

Hosted by Selena Gomez, tonight's show features performances by Gaga, Snoop, Far East Movement, Avril Lavigne, The Black Keys, Bruno Mars, Down With Webster, Fefe Dobson, City and Colour and Simple Plan.

Presenters include Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, David Guetta, Shawn Desman, Johnny Galecki, Blake McGrath, Danny Fernandes, Classified, These Kids Wear Crowns, The Midway State and cast members from Pretty Little Liars, Degrassi, Make It Or Break It and Twilight (no, not Rob, Kristen, Taylor or Kellan. Someone else).

Tune in to the red carpet at 8 p.m., followed by the main show at 9.

And be sure to follow me on twitter @outisthrough, as I tweet my confusion over who some of the teen stars are that enter the room.

(Then retweet freely, to let your followers know I'm there).

On the cover: Ryan Reynolds for Entertainment Weekly

It’s undeniable. Ryan Reynolds looks pretty damn dreamy (and perhaps perfectly hunky) on this week’s cover of Entertainment Weekly.

Promoting his new film Green Lantern, the mag let the Canadian actor write his own profile, which proves to reflect a cheeky sense of humour.

While he may be a sought-after foxy actor now, he's fantastically self-deprecating about his early career.

"His first real acting job was at age 12. He was cast in a Canadian soap opera called Hillside, a show about a bunch of Canadian kids crying about their Canadian problems. The exchange rate being what it was at the time, it was only about 65 percent of what American problems amounted to, and nobody in the U.S. could relate," he writes.

"Eventually Lady Luck gave him a wink and he broke into the business by scoring a lead in a sitcom titled Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place. Although the series was canceled 10 years ago, Reynolds still holds out hope they'll change the title to something less stupid."

Green Lantern is getting horrible reviews, but at least this cover story proves Ryan will likely have a sense of humour about that too -- and look good while laughing along.

NXNE: Fucked Up, P.S. I Love You, Sandman Viper Command, more!

"Despite their ridiculous name, Sandman Viper Command was definitely the highlight of my NXNE thus far."
by Ashley, NXNE correspondent

When am I going to learn that less venue hopping = seeing more bands? That said I got a few shows in on Wed/Thurs, some were awesome (please go see Sandman Viper Command), others not so much. I still need to learn how to clone myself. Plus I’m already suffering from NXNE sleep deprivation, so pardon me if this is barely English, it’s hard to edit when your eyes are closed. Follow me on Twitter for potentially more coherent updates from the shows @ashsperls.

Highlights: Sandman Viper Command (Thurs, 3am Silver Dollar Room) – play again at 8pm Friday at Sneaky Dee’s

Chuck Ragan (Wed, 12am Elmo), PS I Love You (Thurs, 11pm Horsehoe), Fucked Up (Thurs, 8pm YD Square)

Wednesday I caught Chuck Ragan, lead singer of punk legends Hot Water Music at the Elmo. It was tough to drag my butt out the door for a midnight show, but I’m glad I did. Chuck’s solo stuff is pretty far removed from HWM, but he still has those same raspy vocals. He’s sort of like a punk-rock Johnny Cash. A highlight was the ‘Geraldine’ duet with Britton from the Cavaliers. I stayed for a bit of the Cavaliers alt-country set, but they were having sound issues and I figured I shouldn’t overdo it on night one (in bed before 3am).

Thursday was a bit of a mixed bag and involved a lot of venue hopping. I started off the night catching a bit of Fucked Up at Yonge-Dundas Square. I thought they would tone it down a notch to be more family-friendly, but I was wrong. Lead singer Damian Abraham was still jumping in the crowd, growling and tearing his shirt off as the band tore through songs from their punk opera, David Comes To Life. I can only imagine how much more intense the show would have been in the confines of Wrongbar, YD Square didn’t really do it justice.

Though I really wanted to see The Descendants somehow I ended up the Horseshoe to check out ‘buzz’ band Royal Bangs from Knoxville, TN. I give them kudos for being able to pull off deconstructed alt-rock musically while layering catchy vocals, an interesting blend, but honestly I preferred the music sans vocals. PS I Love You were the highlight of the Shoe and got the crowd dancing with their power noise-pop. Montreal’s Suuns were up next and though they were hyped, I was kind of disappointed. It was just an ear-bleedingly loud wall of sound, the actual music could barely be distinguished. I tried to get into the Rivoli to see Imaginary Cities, Sweet Thing and Bruce Peninsula, but the line up was ridiculous and no one was getting in, bummer.

Then it was off to the Supermarket where I caught the tail end of Poor Young Things. They’re pretty straight forward Kings of Leon-ish rock, but have a great energy to the live show and did a killer cover of Florence + The Machine’s ‘Dog Days’.

The night got a bit blurry (unfortunately I wasn’t drunk, just asleep on my feet), but I was determined to try and stay awake long enough to catch Burlington’s Sandman Viper Command at the Silver Dollar Room. Somehow I powered through, and thank goodness I did, despite their ridiculous name, SVC was definitely the highlight of my NXNE thus far. The Silver Dollar Room was rammed despite the late hour and the crowd was tearing up the floor to the band’s blend of fuzzy garage rock combined with 60’s pop sensibilities. Even though my legs felt like lead after 10 hours of shows and BBQs I couldn’t stop moving. Definitely a must see. Catch them at 8pm Friday at Sneak’s.

Two more days, must stay awake ...

ICYMI: Polaris Long List

Hey friends, the long list of 40 nominees for this year's Polaris Music Prize was announced yesterday.

Awarded by music critics based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, the winner of the Polaris Prize receives $30,000. New this year, the nine non-winning artists whose albums make the short list receive $2,000.

I'm tickled to see Little Scream's The Golden Record make the long list, as Janice Wong just took me to see her perform at Soundscapes on Tuesday. It was my first time seeing her, and I found the performance just delightful.

Click inside for the full list.

On the cover: Christina Aguilera for W

Christina Aguilera looks kind of alien-like on the July 2011 cover of W Magazine.

The 30-year-old singer opens up to the magazine about a tumultuous year that saw her make headlines for her divorce, flubbed lyrics, an on-stage fall, and an arrest.

“Sometimes, especially in the last six months, I still feel like going to the window and singing out all my troubles," she says. "I laugh a lot lately. People expect me to cry, but I always laugh when things go wrong.”

Aguilera has since found success again, as a coach on NBC's hit reality series The Voice.

Always a fighter, Christina says she'll continue to pursue what makes her happy, with a little inspiration from some music icons.

“I really admire all the greats,” she says. “They’ve had their ups and downs during their careers. And I would never go down without a fight. I still have my eyes on the prize: I want to be that old lady onstage shaking her hips and singing her greatest hits.”

Full W article here.