Grammy nod adds leverage to Melanie Fiona's career (AP)

AP - Melanie Fiona still cries when she thinks about her ex-boyfriend. He is the main reference in her R&B smash, the haunting ballad "It Kills Me."

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.

UK musicians pay tribute to songs of Nick Drake (Reuters)
Reuters - Nick Drake is an unlikely romantic hero. In the 1970s he was a minor English singer and songwriter who peddled a lyrical brand of introspection that earned him a small but devoted following and few record sales.

`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.

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

Quincy Jones wants 'We Are the World' Haiti redo (AP)

AP - Quincy Jones is re-recording the charity song "We Are the World" and sending the proceeds to Haiti.

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.

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.

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.