Travis McCoy
Photo: MTV News

Travis McCoy and Katy Perry seemed like a couple made in tongue-in-cheek music heaven, and the sarcastic, witty Gym Class Heroes frontman and the sassy pop star did look cute together. But, even as rumors of their engagement began to bubble up on gossip blogs, the pair split in late 2008.

Now, with the year wrapping up, McCoy is back in the studio, working music for the next Gym Class Heroes album as well as a solo project. And he can't help but write a song or two inspired by his former flame.

"I think I've always used my relationships as a tool to write songs, you know what I mean?" he told MTV News at a charity event for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, where he debuted his new song, "One at a Time." " 'Cupid's Chokehold' was written about probably one of the best relationships I've ever been in in my life.

"I can't sit here and lie and say that what went down between her and I won't be a present on the record," he said. "But we'll have to wait and see."

If you're expecting any salacious details about Perry, who's now dating Russell Brand, to appear in the music, think again. McCoy said he's too much of a gentleman to be nasty to her. "We as musicians, art imitates life — we'll see what happens," he said. "I'm a nice guy, though. I'm a nice guy."

• Travis McCoy
• Gym Class Heroes
• Katy Perry

Nick Cannon
Photo: MTV News

It seems like everyone in Hollywood has an opinion when it comes to the incident between gossip blogger Perez Hilton and the Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am. After news broke of their reported altercation in Toronto over the weekend, celebrities began reacting to the news that Will's manager, Polo Molina, allegedly hit Perez after he called Will an anti-gay slur.

Aubrey O'Day, who has been regularly bashed by Hilton, spoke to MTV News about the incident and actually seems to be on Hilton's side, at least in principle. "I'm sure as everyone knows there've been many times I wish I could slap Perez, but you don't, 'cause at the end of the day, he's doing a job. You're doing a job, and there's a place for everyone in this industry, good or bad."

Nick Cannon, who recently got into his own online war of words with Eminem, isn't taking sides in this beef, but does have some advice for Hilton. "It's funny, 'cause I know both of them; they're both good people in their own right," he told MTV News. "Some people don't like Perez, but Perez is very opinionated, and it's kind of like one of those things — sometimes you got to watch your mouth. But violence is never the answer. Why everyone bringing Will.I.Am into it? He ain't the one that punched Perez. The entourage can always get you in trouble. See, Perez has to get himself a more gangsta entourage. All controversy is good controversy for him."

Some celebrities think that Hilton's negative coverage of celebrities like Tila Tequila and John Mayer, and the words he used when speaking to Will.I.Am the night of the incident, led to the confrontation. "When you get rich saying hateful things sometimes you ask for it," said "Transformers" star Josh Duhamel, who is married to Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie, told "Entertainment Tonight." "It's an unfortunate incident, and I hope it goes away."

Kelly Clarkson, who was also in Toronto over the weekend for the Much Music awards, commented about the incident on the Canadian cable network's show "MOD." "When you dish that much out, you have to be able to take somethin'," she said, joking that she was sending flowers to Will's manager, Molina, who was officially charged with assault on Monday. And after noting that violence isn't the right way to solve problems, she added, "I've been hit in the face before, and I didn't cry about it."

On his Twitter, Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy wrote a post that seemed to support Will.I.Am, at first: "Will.I.Am-1, Perez-0. It's about f---ing time." But he later diplomatically added, "Violence is not the answer. Trust me, been through it. The fact is, not everyone is going to take being called a vulgar expletive lightly."

Frequent tweeter John Mayer instigated quite an epic Twitter conversation with Perez about the incident, first criticizes him for exhibiting "a profound lack of control" and then offering to teach him the Israeli martial art Krav Maga. "You know how to find me," Mayer wrote. "Words have cause and effect, even if the effect is wrong."

Among the several celebrities who have come to Perez's side are Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. "Speidi is never buying anything black eyed pees related!" Spencer tweeted. "Not that I did in the past but now I really won't! What a coward!"

Heidi tweeted Perez on Monday morning, asking, "Are you ok? I am praying for you!! God bless xoxo."

Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus seemed surprised by the whole thing, telling the gossip blogger that she was surprised by the incident. "Are you are kidding right??? omgosh!" she wrote on her Twitter. "Wow! I'm glad you are ok!!!!"

• Nick Cannon
• Miley Cyrus
• Will.I.Am
• John Mayer
• Gym Class Heroes

Justin Timberlake in "My Love"
Photo: Jive

Valentine's Day — you either love it or hate it. It makes sweethearts swoon and others want to stab fat cherubs with a bow and arrow. Between the chocolate hearts, the red roses and the teddy bears shoved in our faces, the holiday stirs up a cocktail of emotions: happiness, despair, jealousy, grief, sadness, desire ...

MTV News has all your mood swings covered. In honor of this beloved and dreaded holiday, we're rolling out the Best Love Songs, Best Breakup Songs, Best Makeout Songs and Worst Love Songs in recent memory. It's our Valentine's Day gift to you, minus the dinner-and-a-movie part. So slip into something comfortable, and stay for a while.

Love songs tend to get dusted off and put on display at weddings. And it's hard to take any song seriously right after doing the chicken dance. Our favorite artists know what's up: They express those deepest, darkest emotions without the help of cheesy lyrics or a soprano-saxophone player. Give it up to Justin, the Jonas Brothers and these other winged matchmakers for making us all a little weak in the knees.

10. Jonas Brothers - "Lovebug"
This is about the only "lovebug" we ever want to catch. Let's leave it at that ...

9. Alicia Keys - "No One"
In this soulful song, Alicia belts out her emotions so we don't have to.

8. The Postal Service - "Such Great Heights"
Despite never uttering those three magic words, this 2003 hit puts us on cloud nine.

7. Jason Mraz (featuring Colbie Caillat) - "Lucky"
This duet is bound to make the wedding-day rounds. Still, the old-timey lyrics are cute.

6. Miley Cyrus - "7 Things"
This isn't a typo. This certainly isn't a typical love song, considering that Miley sings about hating someone. But listen a little closer, and you'll see the teen queen taps into the heart of a relationship — the bad that also comes with the good.

5. Beyoncé - "Crazy in Love"
Ms. Sasha Fierce escorts us over the edge of love and back again in her 2003 smash single. Uh-oh!

4. Taylor Swift - "Love Story"
With the sweet melody and fairy-tale references, this teen songstress gives us hope there will be a castle and a lover in a low-cut top in all our futures. Give in and "say yes" to Taylor's catchy chorus.

3. Gym Class Heroes - "Cupid's Chokehold"
Travis McCoy joins forces with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump to talk pancakes, secret handshakes and other shared moments with a string of girls. You gotta love a guy (and a song) with a sense of humor.

2. U2 - "With or Without You"
After all these years, Bono still melts our hearts. This 1987 classic addresses the question: What the hell would I do without you? That never gets old.

1. Justin Timberlake - "My Love"
With the help of Timbaland and T.I., Justin Timberlake nabs the top spot with his 2006 hit. JT redefines the concept of the love song, proving it can belong in both the club and next to a roaring fireplace.

Do you love it or are you just not that into our picks? Tell us why in the comment section below.

Now that you have the tracks to set the mood, you should gauge your plans with what the celebs are doing. No date? Don't forget that there are single, hot guys that you might have a chance with. Happy Valentine's Day!

• Valentine's Day: Best Love Songs

• Justin Timberlake
• The Postal Service
• Alicia Keys
• Jason Mraz
• Miley Cyrus

Play N Skillz's Play
Photo: MTV News

DALLAS — Grammy partying has started almost a whole week early ... and it's not even in host city L.A.

Production duo Play N Skillz, who are nominated for three Grammys this year, hosted a party in their native Dallas at club Plush to commence the celebration. Local D-Town artist Big Tuck, ex-video model Gloria Velez, former 112 singer Slim and Too Short — along with Houston neighbors Bun B, Slim Thug and Paul Wall — came out for the bash.

Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy was the special guest DJ, spinning songs by Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and UGK, among others.

Around 1:50 a.m., just as the house lights were turned on, McCoy invited all the stars in the house to come from their VIP hideouts on the second floor to the DJ booth on the first floor. With everyone in place, McCoy jumped on top of the structure surrounding the booth and performed "Cookie Jar."

Slim then was handed the mic for his solo hit "So Fly." The Atlanta native had the women singing along with him on certain parts, especially the chorus when they yelled in unison, "I'm reaaaaaaa-deee!" Slim ended by taking it back to his 112 roots with "Peaches & Cream."

Then it was Too Short's turn. The legendary, lovable foul-mouth asked the crowd to tell him his favorite word. They responded yelling, "Beyotch!" Short's music was cued up, and he went into "Blow the Whistle."

Pitbull, who was also in the house, performed "Crazy" next. The music didn't stop — Paul Wall kept it going with "Break 'Em Off."

Big Tuck continued the rap chorus line with his regional smash "Not a Stain on Me." O.G. Bun B got loud yells with his "Gangsta" song. The MCing finale was "Still Tippin' " by Slim Thug and Paul Wall. They even let Mike Jones' part play.

Before the crowd exited, Play got back on the mic and promised to bring another Grammy (Play N Skillz won last year for their production work on Chamillionaire's "Ridin' Dirty") back to Dallas after this weekend's ceremony.

"Dallas is the next city to blow the f--- up," he insisted.

Play N Skillz are up for three Grammys this weekend for their work on Lil Wayne's "Got Money," most notably Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Will Lil Wayne grab all the gramophones? Is Katy Perry going to tell her girl rivals to kiss off? Can Coldplay march off with a win? MTV News is all over the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, so stay tuned for interviews, analysis and more before, during and after the big night, Sunday, February 8.

• Bun B. Paul Wall
• Play N Skillz
• Gym Class Heroes
• 112
• Big Tuck

Katy Perry
Photo: Valery Hache/ AFP/ Getty Images

After Katy Perry's much-publicized breakup with Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis McCoy, the "I Kissed a Girl" singer has decided that these days, she's not going to be kissing anybody — well, with one notable exception.

"I've actually taken a vow of celibacy this year," the Grammy nominee told the new issue of TV Guide, according to Us Weekly. "No kissing anyone. Just my cat: Kitty Purry."

This intimate revelation comes just a week after Perry blogged that she doesn't "give statements about my personal life" after reports surfaced that she was sharing intimate details about her broken heart to a crowd at a show in Los Angeles.

"When you break up with someone, you move on," she said at the concert. "You don't really want to move on ... but you have to because they don't give you any choice," she added before declaring, "But I'm over it!"

In response to those reports, she blogged that since splitting with McCoy, people are finding new reasons to comment on things she claims she says all the time in concert. "I have made many of the same introductions before ... just lately everyone's dissecting my every word. Understandable," she blogged. "When I wanna share something with the world, the world will know ... otherwise, stop looking for a story, or an explanation."

Before that blog post, Perry evaded MTV News' questions about the breakup, instead plugging her tour. "Well, it's a new year, and I'm very focused," she said when asked about the Gym Class Heroes frontman. "I have a tour coming up on January 23 called the Hello Katy Tour, and I'm putting all my energy and efforts into that."

• Katy Perry
• Gym Class Heroes

Katy Perry
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images

Last week when MTV News caught up with Katy Perry on the red carpet at the Critics' Choice Awards, she spoke about her recent split with boyfriend Travis McCoy. Sort of.

It would be more accurate to say that she sidestepped our question about McCoy, answering with a polite — if not a little curt — plug for her upcoming Hello Katy Tour, before being whisked away by a rather annoyed-looking publicist.

On Monday, onstage at Los Angeles' Hotel Cafe, however, things were a bit different.

Perry — who was performing an exclusive acoustic set at the tiny venue — spoke openly and honestly about her split with McCoy, letting her emotions spill out and telling the sold-out crowd that "It hurts right now."

"When you break up with someone, you move on," she said from the stage, according to People magazine. "You don't really want to move on ... but you have to because they don't give you any choice," she added before declaring, "But I'm over it!"

Perry, who was battling the flu during her Hotel Cafe set, reportedly laughed and joked with her friends, who were seated in front of the stage. And later, on her blog, she continued with the "getting over it" vibe, writing, "So, my post tonight started very melancholy. The usual. Mostly just a pity party I suppose. We all throw them ... no one ever comes though, especially [to] mine."

"I have the wonderful world at my fingertips," she continued. "And nothing has made me smile much in the past couple days besides TheDailyKitten.com."

• Katy Perry
• Gym Class Heroes

Katy Perry at the 2009 Critics' Choice Awards in L.A. Thursday
Photo: MTV News

In the weeks following her split with boyfriend Travis McCoy, Katy Perry has remained silent about the subject, a move which is entirely understandable, if not particularly, you know, Perry-like.

So, when MTV News caught up with her on the Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles, we took the opportunity to ask her about her newly single status. And, somewhat surprisingly, she answered. Sort of.

"Well, it's a new year, and I'm very focused," she said when asked about the Gym Class Heroes frontman. "I have a tour coming up on January 23 called the Hello Katy Tour, and I'm putting all my energy and efforts into that."

So there you go. Perry isn't worried about dating, just touring. And given her rather hectic schedule, perhaps that's a good thing. Aside from the tour, there's her appearance at next month's Grammy Awards, plus, you know, the very booming business of being Katy Perry.

"I really don't know how you follow [2008] up. I'm kind of just putting one step in front of the other and I never expected any of it to happen, so I don't expect it to always happen perfect every time, you know?" she laughed. "I'm constantly knocking on wood and freaking out saying, 'Really? They want me to do that?!? OK! Really? Presenting at the Critics' Choice Awards? Great!' Or at the Grammys, which, by golly, is going to be a fun, fun night."

And just what can we expect from her come Grammy night?

"Fruit," she said, before being ushered down the carpet.

Girl of few words, that Katy Perry.

• Katy Perry
• Gym Class Heroes
• Travis McCoy

Katy Perry and Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy
Photo: MJ Kim/ Getty Images

How not engaged are Katy Perry and Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy? The couple, who denied they were getting ready to tie the knot last month, reportedly broke up sometime before New Year's Eve. UsMagazine.com reported that an unnamed source close to Perry confirmed on Friday that the pair had split after more than a year of dating.

"It's sad, but they were fighting a lot because they never saw each other, and now she is going on tour," the source told Us. "She just needed a clear head. It's been nonstop work for her."

Perry, who blogged in mid-December announcing that she and Trav were not engaged, has not weighed in on the alleged split. McCoy, however, appears to have made a comment on FriendsorEnemies.com, with a post cryptically called "From Travies Blog: ATL, Shawty!!! Biggest party ever tonight in Pains basement!!!" What follows are the pointed lyrics to the song "Looking at the Front Door" from the recently reissued 1991 debut by hip-hop act Main Source.

The song begins, "We fight every night, now that's not kosher/ I reminisce with bliss of when we was closer/ And wake up to be greeted by an argument again/ You act like you're 10/ So immature, I try to concentrate on a cure/ And keep lookin' at the front door."

McCoy made his feelings even clearer in a follow-up post, in which he's pictured with his computer above the caption: "My laptop is my new bi---. LOYAL. LISTENS. and NEVER LET'S ME DOWN."

Considering the timing of McCoy's posts, it seems that the couple split sometime after spending Christmas together on vacation in Mexico. At press time, spokespeople for the singers either had not responded to MTV News' request for comment, or declined to comment on the situation.

• Katy Perry
• Gym Class Heroes

Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy and Katy Perry
Photo: Chris Polk/FilmMagic

Katy Perry's been swinging some serious ice on her hand since the summer, when boyfriend/ Gym Class Heroes leader Travis McCoy gifted her an impressive yellow diamond promise ring.

But on Tuesday, the New York Daily News reported that the Warped Tour lovebirds had made it official with a romantic proposal in Paris. According to the gossip report, "the rapper popped the question recently in Paris by kissing Perry with a massive ring in his mouth."

Cute story, right? And for the tattooed and pierced McCoy, the edgy remix on the classic proposal scenario seems fitting. The only problem? Well, it's not true.

When asked to confirm the scenario, Trav's manager Bob McLynn gave it a simple "nah," and a spokesperson for Perry's label also gave the story a thumbs-down.

Perry also threw water on the rumors on her blog in a a post titled "From the horses mouth," in which she wrote, "NOT engaged! But thanks for the free press New York Daily News! You should fact check with the source before you spread worldwide news like that."

McCoy, 27, and Perry, 24, have been dating for more than a year, and while the couple have tried to keep their private life out of the tabloids, McCoy recently told the PopEater site that he was insulted by reports about the promise ring.

"Recently I read about the promise ring I gave [Katy] ... that I paid $300 for it. That was an insult considering the dent that it put into my bank account."

• Gym Class Heroes
• Katy Perry

Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson at the "Without You I'm Just Me" opening in L.A. Tuesday
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

New parents Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson are back painting the town red, and they can't stop talking about their bundle of joy, Bronx Mowgli, born just a few weeks ago. After hitting a Fall Out Boy concert Monday night, the happy couple were out again Tuesday night in Los Angeles at Travis McCoy's art show, where Pete gushed about his son.

"Every time I see my son, it looks like he's landing on the moon and discovering new rocks and stuff," he told People magazine. "I mean, every time he looks at his hand, it's like he's Christopher Columbus making it across the ocean. It's pretty awesome."

Despite Pete's fascination with art, he insists he's not going to push young Bronx into anything. He wants him to figure out his interests on his own. "I don't think it's appropriate for the nursery," he said of McCoy's artwork. "I'm not the kind of person that's going to push something on my kid. If he decides to go, 'Hey, dad, why don't you draw this for me or play this for me,' that would be cool."

Meanwhile, Ashlee has taken to MySpace to blog about being a new mom and how excited she is by it. "Motherhood is the most fantastic experience I have ever been through," she wrote. "Bronx makes me laugh and smile every day! ... I can't wait to spend [the holiday] with my new family. Christmas tree goes up tomorrow!"

She added, "I finally left the house for Fall Out Boy's show on Monday night, which was so good. Their new songs sound awesome live; I can't wait for their new record! And last night I went to Pete and Bronx's godfather Travis' art show."

Speaking of Travis McCoy, hanging out with baby Bronx has the Gym Class Heroes frontman and girlfriend Katy Perry thinking about babies themselves. "When I passed Bronx off to her, we both looked at each other," he told People at his art show. "Any young couple in love around another young couple in love, it's inevitable that you're going to get that spirit."

• Fall Out Boy
• Ashlee Simpson
• Gym Class Heroes
• Katy Perry

Woodie Awards 2007 Red Carpet

• Gym Class Heroes
• Fall Out Boy
• The Academy Is...
• Rilo Kiley
• Tokyo Police Club

Woodie Awards 2007 Winners and Presenters

• Annie Lennox
• Q-Tip
• Fall Out Boy
• Talib Kweli
• Motion City Soundtrack

Luda, Fab, Eve And More Show Up For VH1's 'Hip Hop Honors'

• Ludacris
• Fabolous
• DMX
• KRS-One
• Gym Class Heroes

Woodie Awards 2006 Performers

• Imogen Heap
• Beck
• Gym Class Heroes
• TV On The Radio

Woodie Awards 2006 Red Carpet

• Gym Class Heroes
• The Academy Is...
• Plain White T's
• Imogen Heap
• Angels & Airwaves

Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes, More Perform In California

• Lil Wayne
• T-Pain
• Keri Hilson
• Gym Class Heroes

Stars Descend On The VH1 Hip Hop Honors Red Carpet

• Busta Rhymes
• Kid Rock
• Cypress Hill
• De La Soul
• Eve

2008 Grammy Parties

• Ashlee Simpson
• Fall Out Boy
• Rihanna
• Paris Hilton
• Miley Cyrus

Tila Tequila's New Year's Eve Masquerade 2008: Purple Carpet Arrivals

• Paramore
• Good Charlotte
• Mary J. Blige
• Cobra Starship
• Gym Class Heroes

Fall Out Boy, Lupe Fiasco, Boys Like Girls, More At 2007 mtvU Woodie Awards

• Fall Out Boy
• Lupe Fiasco
• Gym Class Heroes
• Angels & Airwaves
• Talib Kweli