News

By Rachel Bennett

Television Editor & Columnist

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Aside from seeing who wins, one of the best parts of the Primetime Emmys is seeing what the winners have to say once they reach the stage.

Whether they’re calm and collected or shocked and speechless, some Emmy winners steal the night with their acceptance speeches.

Actress Parker Posey (or Jan), who has never been nominated for an Emmy, released this week a video of speech tips for this Sunday’s lucky nominees.

However, there have been several Emmy champs who haven’t needed advice on what to say. Here are our choices for the top 10 Emmy speeches of the past 10 years:

10. Peter Dinklage (2011) – Dinklage’s nomination and win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for HBO’s Game of Thrones were exciting for numerous reasons. Not only was it his first Emmy win, but he is also the first little...

Like what was previously predicted, all-star "Hope for Haiti" album indeed enters at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 200 this week. It has been downloaded over 171,000 copies, becoming the first digital effort to reign the U.S. albums chart since its nearly 54-year history.

"Hope for Haiti" album features songs from the likes of Beyonce Knowles, Rihanna, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Jay-z among others. Outed in online stores on January 27, it becomes the biggest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history.

The compilation is released as part of "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon. The benefit effort has raised funds over $60 million with its proceeds to be split to support Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, Unicef, United Nations World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation and Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation.

In addition to the "Hope for Haiti" album, other newcomers on the chart are...

Album sells more than 171,000 units in less than a week.

By Gil Kaufman

<i>Hope for Haiti Now</i>

Photo: MTV Networks

Friday's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon has already broken fundraising records by gathering more than $61 million in public donations to aid the people of the devastated Caribbean nation. But on Wednesday, the accompanying soundtrack to the all-star event, Hope for Haiti Now, made some history of its own by becoming the first-ever all-digital album in the 54-year history of the Billboard 200 to debut at #1 on the albums chart.

With less than a week of sales — pre-sales began on Thursday — the album still managed to grab the top spot by moving 171,000 units, easily besting the #2 album, Susan Boyle's, I Dreamed a Dream, which sold another 86,000 copies for a distant second-place finish.

Hope For Haiti Now features all of the songs from the telethon, which...

Telethon has raised more than $61 million to date.

By Gil Kaufman with MTV News staff

George Clooney speaks during the "Hope For Haiti Now" telethon

Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic

"Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" drew a cumulative audience of more than 83 million viewers and a gross average audience of more than 24 million viewers in the United States, according to Nielsen Media Research. The telethon has now raised more than $61 million in donations from the general public to date.

Across the Web and mobile, "Hope for Haiti Now" attracted 1.9 million video streams during the live broadcast. Between the live broadcast and replays of the performances available on MTV.com and other sites, "Hope for Haiti Now" attracted 5.8 million total streams throughout the weekend, including more than 150,000 mobile streams. The "Hope for Haiti Now" iPhone app, which allowed for live streaming of the broadcast, has been downloaded more than 100,000 times.

No red carpet, no entourages, no limousines. The biggest names in entertainment drove themselves. The cause was Hope For Haiti Now: a Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief, a telethon swiftly organized and orchestrated by George Clooney and co-hosted by Wyclef Jean, to raise money and provide relief for the people of Haiti. Mission accomplished, and raise money they did, to the tune of 58 million dollars to date. The two hour benefit which aired on nearly a dozen MTV Network channels, reported a new record for donations generated by the public through a disaster-relief telethon. After a brief opening address by Mr. Clooney, viewers witnessed first-hand accounts of rescue efforts in the earthquake ravaged streets of Haiti, as reported by CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper. In between shots of the celebrity-manned phone panel answering pledge calls, and Cooper's intermittent live updates from Haiti, were a host of live performances from Los Angeles,...

I just recently bought an Ipod and I will be loading it up with some new music and helping out with the tragedy in Haiti. The tragic events in Haiti have brought together international superstars of music and film for one of the biggest events in broadcast history. Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief took place on Friday, January 22.

The main events took place in New York, Los Angeles and London with performances from Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Jay-z, Bono, The Edge, Rihanna, and more.

Now you can download the Hope for Haiti Now live performance album which contains the studio collaboration, "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) - Version 1.0," featuring Jay-z, Bono, The Edge, and Rihanna. Click the image below for more details and songs on iTunes...

The joint forces by celebrities from Jonas Brothers to Tobey Maguire to Bono has come up with fruitful result. The telethon dubbed "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", raised more than $58 million as of Sunday, January 24.

The number is not inclusive private donation or the sale of "Hope for Haiti Now" album which is available on iTunes. The compilation of the January 22 performances is reportedly the "biggest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history", being number 1 in 18 countries on Saturday, January 23.

Donations are still welcomed in the next six months by calling 877-99-haiti, going to hopeforhaitinow.org or texting Give to 50555. The money raised will go and be split evenly to seven organizations; Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, Unicef, United Nations World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation, and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation.

Another musical benefit for Haiti is in the works. Pianist Lang Lang,...

"Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon set a new record for donations received during a disaster relief telethon.

Hosted by George Clooney, the telethon raised $57 million to help rebuild Haiti after the tragic 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12th. Viewers were able to donate via phone, online and mobile. Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and Stevie Wonder were just two of the hundreds of celebs that were taking your donations by telephone.

Friday night's celebrity telethon Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief has so far raised more than $57 million - a record for a disaster relief telethon, said the event’s organizers. In addition the star-studded Hope for Haiti Now album, featuring performances from the evening, is the biggest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history. The charity event, spearheaded by George Clooney with the support of many of Hollywood's A-listers, featured two hours of musical performances and appeals for donations for earthquake relief.The money raised will be split among Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross,...

What was your favorite moment of the night?

Were you as glued to the TV as we were last night during the two-hour Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief? Every big name star from Robert Pattinson to Alicia Keys came out to show their support, either though answering phones, speaking from the heart or performing live on stage. The telethon’s organizer, George Clooney, opened the night with an inspirational message: “This is a tragedy that reaches across all borders, all boundaries and demands our attention, our help and our compassion as fellow human beings,” he said. “The Haitian people need our help. They need to know that they’re not alone. They need to know we still care.”

Here were some of our favorite moments from the telethon:

Jay-z, Rihanna, Bono and The Edge performed a brand new song, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour),” which was written exclusively for the telethon.

What was your favorite moment of the night?

Were you as glued to the TV as we were last night during the two-hour Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief? Every big name star from Robert Pattinson to Alicia Keys came out to show their support, either though answering phones, speaking from the heart or performing live on stage. The telethon’s organizer, George Clooney, opened the night with an inspirational message: ”This is a tragedy that reaches across all borders, all boundaries and demands our attention, our help and our compassion as fellow human beings,” he said. “The Haitian people need our help. They need to know that they’re not alone. They need to know we still care.”

Here were some of our favorite moments from the telethon:

Jay-z, Rihanna, Bono and The Edge performed a brand new song, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour),” which was written exclusively for the telethon.

New York (Reuters) - Dozens of the biggest names in film and music sang in somber tones and urged the world to donate to earthquake-stricken Haiti on Friday at a benefit led by actor George Clooney and Haiti-born rapper Wyclef Jean.

The two-hour telethon, called "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," was shown around the world on television, online and mobile carriers, and featured more than 100 celebrities performing from New York, Los Angeles and London.

Singer Alicia Keys kicked off the benefit with her song "Prelude to a Kiss," which included the lyric "Can you send an angel?" before Clooney, one of the telethon's main organizers, delivered the night's first address.

"The Haitian people need our help," said Clooney. "They need to know that they are not alone, they need to know that we still care."

Up to 1.5 million Haitians lost...

More than $58 million raised to date; album is biggest one-day pre-order in iTunes history.

By MTV News staff

Rihanna performs on "Hope for Haiti Now" on Friday

Photo: PictureGroup/Evan Agostini

As donations continue to pour in from around the world, "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" announced on Saturday (January 23) that it has raised more than $58 million to date — a new record for donations made by the general public through a disaster-relief telethon. The preliminary figure includes donations made via phone, online and mobile, and does does not include donations by corporations and large private donors, or iTunes sales figures, all of which are still being calculated.

"The public has set a new standard of giving for a relief telethon with 'Hope for Haiti Now,' and the donations continue to come in — people can still contribute 24/7 via phone, Web and text," said Lisa Paulsen,...

The producer of the Jay-z, Rihanna, The Edge and Bono collaboration 'Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)' encourages global participation.

By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Sway Calloway and Gil Kaufman

Swizz Beatz backstage at the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon

Photo: MTV News

According to Swizz Beatz, helping out the devastated nation of Haiti is not only positive, but necessary.

"I think the important reason to donate to this cause, no matter how much money is being raised or has been raised ... you gotta understand, Haiti has been in shambles way before this event," the producer said backstage at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon. "Now you have the real madness that puts the focus on Haiti. If you look at what they been going through before and what they been going through now, it's gonna take more than money. It's never enough money.

Beyonce Knowles has lent her voice for "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon on Friday, January 22. Taking part in the two-hour benefit event, the "If I Were a Boy" hitmaker delivered single "Halo" with the companion of piano play by Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay.

On the special performance, the 28-year-old songstress also managed to inject Haiti into the lyrics of her fourth single off "I Am...Sasha Fierce". "Haiti, we can see your halo/ You know you're my saving grace," she sang. "You're everything I need and more, it's written all over your face/ Haiti, we can see your halo/ I pray you won't fade away."

While Beyonce took the stage along with Chris, her husband Jay-z made a collaboration with Rihanna, Bono and The Edge. Having recorded "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" in different studios around the globe, he and the three...

The telethon to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti brought out some of Hollywood's brightest stars - including Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. The commercial free Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief, co-hosted by George Clooney and Wyclef Jean, was broadcast on nearly a dozen channels. "This is a tragedy that reaches across all borders, all boundaries and demands our attention, our help and our compassion as fellow human beings," Clooney said at the opening of the show. "The Haitian people need our help. They need to know that they're not alone. They need to know we still care.

The "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon is underway, and a number of stars and performers have taken the stage. Among some of the first line-up of performances was country star Taylor Swift. Strumming her guitar, the 20-year-old belted out her version of Better Than Ezra's "Breathless".

Before the "You Belong with Me" hitmaker delivered her tune, Alicia Keys opened the show with her singing "Prelude to a Kiss" behind a grand piano. Then after, George Clooney, who helped organize the two-hour event, made his heartfelt plea, saying "The Haitian people need our help. They need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that we still care."

Beside those three, Madonna took the New York City studio's stage, delivering "Like a Prayer" with a choir in the background. Coldplay was seen in London while singing "A Message", while Bruce Springsteen...

Robert Pattinson has followed the footstep of Brad Pitt in growing his beard. Having been laying low ever since news of him and rumored girlfriend Kristen Stewart spotted spending New Year's Eve together, the 23-year-old actor was snapped stepping out in London on Friday evening, January 22 with the new facial hair.

While there is yet comment from the "Twilight Saga" star on his new scruffy look, there could be a chance that he grew the beard to look manlier. In 2009, he admitted his lady-like look to Daily Mirror saying, "I always looked like a girl up until a few years ago, and because I never did any sports or anything I was always kind of gangly." Photos of him with the beard can be seen via Radar Online.

Robert Pattinson is expected to make an appearance at George Clooney's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief...

What's got more film and television stars than the Golden Globes and is more important than the Oscars? That would be Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief, taking place in Los Angeles, New York, London and Haiti, and masterminded by George Clooney and Wyclef Jean. Aside from the dozens of musical artists, such as Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Bono, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen, who have signed on to perform, and actors ranging from Brad Pitt to Robert Pattinson to Morgan Freeman, who are scheduled to speak, MTV has announced more than 100 all-star operators. To contribute during the telethon, either go to hopeforhaitinow.org, text "Give" to 50555 or call 877-99-haiti....

Make sure to tune in tonight, Jan. 22, to watch George Clooney’s Hope for Haiti telethon — featuring performances by Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift & Bruce Springsteen.

George Clooney’s brilliant idea to host a two-hour telethon Jan. 22 in support of the crisis in Haiti is turning out to be one of the largest Hollywood charity events. Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief announced that the global telethon will feature 21 musical performances that will air during the telethon.

Clooney and Wyclef Jean will be in La hosting along with Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert Pattinson will be contributing from London.

The musical acts will take place all over the world — In NYC: Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Jennifer Hudson, and Wyclef Jean will hit the mic in support of the cause. L.A. will feature: Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake,...

Album and video of performances are available for pre-order now.

By Jayson Rodriguez, with Jem Aswad, Hillary Crosley, Maura Johnston, Gil Kaufman and Amy Wilkinson

<i>Hope For Haiti Now</i> album

Photo: Hope For Haiti Now

While earthquake relief in Haiti was the reason for and inspiration behind "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," there's no question that it featured some amazing, one-of-a-kind musical performances.

The songs chosen by most of the artists had a thematic connection to the occasion, and the soaring lyrics delivered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige and Justin Timberlake underlined the hope for the country that's coming from around the world. The songs' unplugged, often gentle renditions underscored the seriousness of the situation.

George Clooney helped organize the event, and his hope is that the songs carry the event beyond the evening and into the following weeks, months and years.

Producer Swizz Beatz helped create 'Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour).'

By Shaheem Reid

Bono, Jay-z and Rihanna perform on "Hope for Haiti Now"

Photo: Dave M. Benett/ Getty Images

Jay-z, U2 and Rihanna got together in London to perform "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" in front of an audience as part of the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon on Friday night (January 22).

The mid-tempo track featured guitar by The Edge and messages of hope from Jay-z, Rihanna and Bono. Along with Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and Wyclef Jean's finale, it was one of the most upbeat performance of the night.

"My Port-au-Princes and Haitians gods/ All my princesses/ Our condolences as we fight against this," Jay rapped to open the record. "We right by your side/ While we trying to make sense of this/ Heavenly Father/ Help us see through these problems/ For those...

Coldplay frontman plays piano for B, who injected Haiti into her 'Halo' lyrics.

By Hillary Crosley

Chris Martin and Beyoncé at "Hope For Haiti Now" on Friday

Photo: Handout/ Getty Images

Beyoncé gave a powerful performance of "Halo" during Friday's (January 22) "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon.

Performing from London, the songstress was accompanied by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who performed with his band earlier in the night, on the piano for an acoustic rendition. Beyoncé injected Haiti into her lyrics: "Haiti, we can see your halo/ You know you're my saving grace," she sang. "You're everything I need and more, it's written all over your face/ Haiti, we can see your halo/ I pray you won't fade away."

The emotional track is from her 2009 LP, I Am ... Sasha Fierce. B is one of a long line of participants for the telethon, including her husband,...

Emotional song was written in 1855 and covered by everyone from Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen.

By Shaheem Reid

Mary J. Blige performs at "Hope for Haiti Now"

Photo: PictureGroup/ Evan Agostini

Mary J. Blige wore all black as she stood in the middle of the stage in New York, singing with conviction and hope during Friday night's (January 22) "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul sang "Hard Times Come Again No More" during the emotional event.

" 'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary," she sang with might. "Hard times, hard times, come again no more/ Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door/ Oh hard times, come again no more/ While we seek mirth and beauty and music, light and gay/ There are frail forms fainting at the door/ Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say/ Oh hard times,...

Singer puts her own spin on 'I'll Stand By You' during earthquake-relief telethon.

By Amy Wilkinson

Shakira performs on "Hope For Haiti Now" on Friday

Photo: Hope For Haiti Now

Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira took to the stage at MTV's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" to perform an emotional cover of The Pretenders' 1994 hit "I'll Stand by You."

Shakira was one of several artists, including Madonna, Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Sting to perform in New York City on behalf of the telethon.

In addition to lending her voice to "Help for Haiti Now" the singer announced on Thursday (January 21) that her Barefoot Foundation will partner with Architecture for Humanity to help build a new school in Haiti.

"There is a great need for immediate aid in Haiti, but also for longer-term reconstruction," she said in a press statement about the Barefoot Haiti School.

Singer pleads for an angel to be sent to Haiti during her emotional telethon performance.

By Shaheem Reid

Alicia Keys (file)

Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Alicia Keys was the first act to perform at Friday night's (January 22) "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon. Keys, who sat and played at the piano, gave a somber but stirring performance of her song "Prelude to a Kiss," from her 2007 LP As I Am.

A montage of Haitian people played as Keys performed. "Sometimes I feel so heavyhearted," Keys sang with emotion. "But I can't explain, 'cause I'm so guarded/ But that's a lonely road to travel/ And a heavy load to bear."

Footage of a Haitian baby crying added depth to the poignant performance. "Can you send an angel?" she sang, as if she were pleading to heaven on the chorus.

Keys is just one of a multitude...

From donating online or by phone to purchasing performances from the show, there are plenty of ways to contribute.

By Amy Wilkinson

Two Haitian children at a makeshift camp in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday

Photo: Jewel Samad/ Afp/ Getty Images

More than 130 of Hollywood's biggest stars will rally Friday (January 22) for MTV's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon, airing across numerous networks, including MTV, at 8 p.m. Et.

Organizer George Clooney told MTV News on Thursday that the ultimate goal of the telethon is to raise money. "That's it ... just first and foremost that we can raise a lot of money," he said. "If I thought that we could all pick up shovels and go in there and not be in the way, I think a lot of people would do that."

There are many ways viewers can contribute to the telethon. Donations can be made online at HopeForHaitiNow.

If you've been watching any of the major networks the past few days, then you're already aware of the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief telethon airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, Bet, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, Cmt, PBS, TNT, Showtime, Comedy Central, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, Centric, Current TV, Fuse, Mlb Network, Epix, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, CNN en Espanol, HBO Latino…and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic.

A who's who of superstars are manning the phones tonight, so this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a celebrity and let them know that you want to do something to help the ravaged Haitian country and its people.

Below is the official press release for the event...which is underway now...

"Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,...

The list of celebrities scheduled for the Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief continues to grow. Recent additions to the actors there to present include Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Nicole Kidman. Today, MTV announced that President Bill Clinton, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Muhammad Ali have also signed on.

Additionally, Madonna will perform live from New York and Haitian artist Emeline Michel in Los Angeles. They join a lineup of musical performers that includes Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Bono, The Edge, Jay-z, and Rihanna.

Proceeds from the George Clooney–organized telethon will be split evenly between The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, United Nations World Food Programme,...