Fonda, Nicholson to join California Hall of Fame (AP)

AP - Hollywood stars Jane Fonda and Jack Nicholson are among the latest notable figures being inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

As music sales slow, digital market offers hope (Reuters)

Reuters - Ever since Apple's iTunes store launched in 2003, the digital music market has received an annual Christmas gift in the form of a sales boost, as consumers unwrap new iPods and gift cards for the holidays.

Britney's Big Top Hits the Road (E! Online)

E! Online - Britney Spears is proving the adage that it's better to give than receive, with the 27 years young birthday girl bequeathing unto her fans not one but two gifts on her special day. Not only did Spears' second attempt at a comeback album, Circus, drop this morning, the singer has also unveiled, to great anticipation, the dates for her long-awaited North American comeback tour.

American folk music legend Odetta dies at 77 (AP)

AP - Odetta, the folk singer with the powerful voice who moved audiences and influenced fellow musicians for a half-century, has died. She was 77.

Civil rights beacon, folk singer Odetta, dead at 77 (Reuters)

Reuters - Odetta, the deep-voiced folk singer whose ballads and songs became for many a sound track to the American civil rights movement, has died aged 77, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

U2 scrap Rick Rubin tracks on new album (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - U2 have shelved a host of tracks recorded with Rick Rubin on their forthcoming 12th studio album.

Britney Spears "Circus" is back -- new album, tour (Reuters)

Reuters - Britney Spears starred in her own "Circus" on Tuesday, performing songs from her new album of that name under a big top in New York City, unveiling plans for a 2009 tour and celebrating her 27th birthday.

Beyonce to perform at Essence Fest in New Orleans (AP)

AP - Beyonce is the first artist lined up for next year's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Brandy breaks 4-year recording hiatus (Reuters)

Reuters - You can't blame Brandy for being a little nervous stepping back into the recording studio. Four years have elapsed since the release of the R&B/pop singer's fourth album, "Afrodisiac." And it has been just two years since her headline-making car accident in which another driver died.

Paris Hilton completes Kylie Minogue-influenced second album (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Paris Hilton has confirmed that she has completed her new album--despite not knowing which label will release it.