"Idol" wild child Adam Lambert readies first album (Reuters)
Reuters - Adam Lambert -- the man with the outsize personality who delivered an audacious octave-and-a-half sitar-tinged purr of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" on the most-watched TV show in the country, dodged sex toys thrown at him onstage during the "American Idol" tour and did it all without smearing his eyeliner -- is curled in the fetal position.
Singer Omarion kicks off new phase in high energy (Reuters)
Reuters - When R&B artist Omarion sings, "I done cut the braids, low cut, got my grown on," in a raspy croon on his new single "I Get It In," he's referencing a turning point in his career.
Busta Rhymes hopes "Chemo" cures ailing music biz (Reuters)
Reuters - Less than a year after releasing his eighth studio album, "Back on My B.S.," New York rapper Busta Rhymes plans to strengthen the state of the music industry, which he says is "dying like cancer is killing it," with his brand new effort, "The Chemo."
Intocable brings innovation to "Classic" norteno (Reuters)
Reuters - There's a hidden gem at the end of "Classic," the 13th album by Texas norteno group Intocable. The album covers a nostalgic collection of sentimental, accordion-packed songs made popular decades ago in a traditional, simple style. But wait just long enough and you'll hear why legions of fans have stuck with Intocable for 15 years.
All-nighters pay off for Puddle of Mudd songwriter (Reuters)
Reuters - It's 5 a.m., and while most of his neighbors in Los Angeles sleep, Puddle of Mudd frontman Wes Scantlin is lounging on his couch with an acoustic guitar, a six-pack of beer and a small recording device to capture new song ideas for his rock band.
Fans help 30 Seconds to Mars build "War" machine (Reuters)
Reuters - Plenty of artists pay lip service to loving their fans, but they usually limit their interaction to meet-and-greets, tweets and shout-outs from the stage. But 30 Seconds to Mars, which is about to release its third album, "This Is War," goes far beyond the usual platitudes and gestures.
UK band the Cribs welcomes Johnny Marr to the fold (Reuters)
Reuters - Since the release of their third album, 2007's "Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever," the Cribs have built a fervent U.K following. Now the band hopes to mirror that fervor in the United States.
"Idol" champ Allen enjoying music-biz fast track (Reuters)
Reuters - A year ago, Kris Allen was attending the University of Central Arkansas, playing gigs at local bars and adjusting to life as a newlywed. Now, thanks to "American Idol," he's enough of a brand name that his major-label debut is self-titled.
AP - Michael Jackson's doctor bought a powerful anesthetic in Nevada and had it shipped to California, where it was found at the pop singer's bedside after he died, court documents released Friday show.
Wyclef Jean's new album revisits his Haitian roots (Reuters)
Reuters - In the midst of recording his next project, a self-titled album slated for spring 2010, Wyclef Jean decided to revisit his hip-hop roots on the newly released "DJ Drama Presents Wyclef Jean, a.k.a. Toussaint St. Jean: From the Hut, to the Projects, to the Mansion."
Eminem delays "Relapse 2" but readies "Refill" (Reuters)
Reuters - Eminem is pushing his "Relapse 2" album -- originally scheduled for a late 2009 release -- to next year. But in the meantime, on December 21 he'll re-release his fifth studio album with seven bonus tracks as "Relapse: Refill."
Joseph Jackson, singer's father, lobs accusations (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - LOS ANGELES – On the eve of a hearing in the Michael Jackson estate, a lawyer for the singer's father filed a 60-page motion Monday that intensifies a bid to get money from his son's estate by making accusations of fraud against the administrators of his will.
Sting's "Winter's Night" inspired by magical tales (Reuters)
Reuters - Sting's "If on a Winter's Night..." may feature holiday-inspired songs, but don't call it a Christmas album. "The whole season is much broader than that," he says. "Winter is about inspiration and imagination."
AP - Jennifer Lopez plans to include fireworks and an on-stage costume change in her performance at the American Music Awards. "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert will incorporate leather and chains into his.
