T-Pain gets animated in 'Freaknik,' talks new CD (AP)

AP - You wouldn't think T-Pain was inhibited at all. But the rapper-singer, known for his synthesized vocals and catchy hooks, says he sometimes feels creatively restrained when it comes to music.

`Il Postino' opera premiere set for Sept. 23 in LA (AP)
AP - The delayed premiere of Daniel Catan's "Il Postino" has been rescheduled by the Los Angeles Opera for Sept. 23, the opening night of the 2010-11 season.

Trent Reznor confirms Nine Inch Nails will record new material (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Courtesy of NME -- Band set to continue releasing new music despite quitting live circuit

Beyonce? Taylor? Lady Gaga? The AP's Grammy Picks (AP)

AP - This year's Grammy Awards seem to be shaping up as the battle of the blond divas.

Rocker Joe Walsh takes on namesake politician (Reuters)
Reuters - Another musician is claiming that a political candidate is tone deaf to the nation's intellectual property laws. And this one has an amusing twist.

Cheryl Cole to support Black Eyed Peas on UK tour (Reuters)
Reuters - British singer Cheryl Cole, best known as a judge on the hit "X Factor" television series, will support U.S. group the Black Eyed Peas on the British leg of their forthcoming THE E.N.D. world tour.

Kanye West begins recording new album (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Courtesy of NME -- Rapper looks to Gill Scott-Heron and Nina Simone for inspiration

Underwood to sing national anthem at Super Bowl (AP)

AP - Carrie Underwood is going to the Super Bowl — and she'll be singing the national anthem.

Hearing scheduled in Jackson dad's bid for stipend (AP)

AP - A judge has scheduled a hearing to decide if Michael Jackson's father should receive a monthly allowance of more than $15,000 from the pop star's estate.

James Taylor gets prestigious Carnegie Hall gigs (AP)

AP - He's gone to Carolina and taken that snow covered turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston. Now James Taylor is goin' to Carnegie Hall for a prestigious four-concert gig.