Mary J. Blige Dishes On Her 'Crazy' Led Zeppelin Covers

'I've listened to their music since I was a child,' says the R&B diva, who recorded 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love.'
By James Montgomery, with reporting by Larry Carroll


Mary J. Blige
Photo: MTV News

You wouldn't peg Mary J Blige as the black-light-and-tapestry sort, but, as has become readily apparent in recent weeks, she absolutely loves Led Zeppelin.

In early February, reports began circulating that Blige had re-recorded Zeppelin's classic "Stairway to Heaven," working with Travis Barker, "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson and guitarist Steve Vai on the track, which is slated to appear on the international reissue of her Stronger With Each Tear album, due Monday.

But after she had recorded "Stairway," Blige continued to get the Led out, covering another Zeppelin classic — the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love" — for the album too. And when MTV News caught up with her on the Essence Black Women in Hollywood red carpet, she told us all about channeling her inner Robert Plant for the tracks, a process that came much easier than you'd probably imagine.

"I did Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love' — it's crazy," she said. "I am a Led Zeppelin fan. I'm not going to say I've been to their concerts, but I've listened to their music since I was a child, and it's always moved me, especially 'Stairway to Heaven,' and 'Whole Lotta Love' is just fun."

Blige also said she recorded another new song — a "club record" called "I Can't Wait" — for the re-release. And while it's only slated to hit shelves outside the U.S., she hopes her fans will get a chance to hear all the new songs pretty soon.

"I want y'all to hear it," she laughed.

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Denise Richards and Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Dating?

Denise Richards and Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Dating?

It looks like even after dealing with her troublesome ex-husband Charlie Sheen, actress Denise Richards still has a soft spot for bad boys!

US Weekly reports that Richards, 39, is dating Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. An unnamed source tells the magazine that she and the 56-year-old rocker "have been neighbors for years. They have a lot in common and are taking things slowly." 

Richards and Sixx were allegedly spotted having breakfast together on Dec. 12. "Nikki was telling stories, and Denise was laughing," a witness claims. 

But, things might not be so easy for the possible pair. In addition to Richards' complicated life with Sheen (with whom she has two children), Sixx has a not-so-simple love life of his own.

Married twice before, the rocker also had a two-year relationship with L.A. Ink star Kat Von D (who's now linked to fellow bad boys club member Jesse James). Back in October the the former couple was spotted "acting pretty cozy and chummy" with one another, raising suspicions that Von D, 28, and Sixx might not be done for good. 

Still, Sixx seems undeterred and even hinted around about his latest relationship on the web. He posted from his Twitter page on the eve of his birthday, that he had "a midnight rendezvous planned with a beautiful maiden."

He even indulged in some Twitter TMI when he later wrote, "Perfect end to a perfect weekend...Thanks for all the b-day spankings..:)" 

Do you think Denise Richards and Nikki Sixx would make for a good couple? Chime in below!

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Gap Contest Winners

Okay, wow, did this take a long time to figure out. After counting how many people entered to win each item, I assigned each person a number based on the order they signed up, then used Random.org to pick a winner.

So, let's start with the jeans...

 

C - Sexy Boot 26/2L (I have two pairs)

13 people entered. And the winners are...  #6 - Amanda K. and #4 - Amanda R.  (the sixth and fourth person to sign up to win C)

 

D - Sexy Boot 28/6L

13 people entered. And the winner is... #7 - Madeline

 

E - Sexy Boot 29/8L

12 people entered. And the winner is... #12 - Rachel E.

 

F - Sexy Boot 31/12L

25 people entered. And the winner is... #16 - Laura R.

 

G - Real Straight 27/4

19 people entered. And the winner is... #2 - Kristi D.

 

H - Always Skinny 27/4

16 people entered. And the winner is... #16 - Kathleen S.

 

I - Always Skinny 30/10

11 people entered. And the winner is... #9 - Sara F.

 

J - Always Skinny 31/12

14 people entered. And the winner is... #2 - Kara P.

 

Next, the gift card...

A - $50 Gap Gift Card

121 people entered. And the winner is... #83 - Elena

 

And finally, the certificates for a free pair of jeans...

 B - Gift Certificate for a Pair of Gap 1969 Jeans (I have six)

112 people entered. And the winners are... #54 - Lesli L., #8 - Brenda R., #32 - Ellene, #37 - Heather V., #111 - Megahn K., and #60 - Jennifer R.

 

Congratulations, everyone!

For the people who didn't win, you will all be getting a boobie prize. Once I get all the jeans sent out, I'll contact you to get your address. Please note, boobie prizes will not be a photo of my boobies. They will, however, be something in my apartment that I don't want anymore... maybe a book or a CD or a vase with a cheetah design on it that my mom gave me a long time ago that I simply do not use.* Your boobie prize is to stay wrapped and under the tree until Christmas morning, at which point you may open it. I'm decluttering my apartment, so it's either you or goodwill, and to be honest, this seemed more fun.

God, I totally feel like Oprah right now.

(And honestly, would you rather win a trip to Australia or an Ally McBeal CD?** Because I have one of those and someone's going to get it.)

* **

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