Beyonce College Course: Rutgers Creates Class in Her Honor

Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images

After Jay-Z was honored with a Georgetown University sociology course named after him, wife and new mom Beyonce has become the subject of a university course of her own. Rutgers University's Department of Women's and Gender Studies now offers the course 'Politicizing Beyonce,' which examines the social and cultural significance of the superstar's music and image.

Rutgers PH.D. candidate Kevin Allred teaches the course and explained on the school's website, "This isn't a course about Beyonce's political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama's inauguration weekend. She certainly pushes boundaries. While other artists are simply releasing music, she's creating a grand narrative around her life, her career, and her persona."

D'Angelo Performs First Show in Over a Decade on Stockholm Stage

Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

After much fanfare, reclusive singer D'Angelo has finally made his return to the stage, performing his first show in over a decade, in Stockholm, Sweden Thursday night (Jan. 26).

Rocking an all-black tank top and shawl ensemble, D'Angelo looked to be in good spirits as he engaged the crowd during the first stop of his "intimate" European comeback tour, opening with a raucous rendition of 'Chicken Grease' from his last album, 'Voodoo,' which was released back in 2000.

Despite the various legal and personal battles the troubled crooner has fought over the past decade, he appeared to be in classic form last night, rocking a selection of hits from his two albums, and even some new, unreleased songs from his long-delayed follow-up, 'James River,' which he is said to be close to completing, according to longtime collaborator Questlove of The Roots.

Sean Paul Enlists Kelly Rowland on 'How Deep is Your Love -- Listen

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Kelly Rowland pops up on 'How Deep is Your Love,' the latest single from mohawk-sporting dancehall artist Sean Paul's forthcoming album, 'Tomahawk Technique.'

Much like the rest of the songs that have leaked from the album thus far, the Stargate-produced dance track, which was penned by Ester Dean, is unabashedly club-minded and synth-heavy.

Lil Wayne 'Mirror' Video Teaser Shows a Jackson Pollock-Inspired MC

Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Frank Hoensch, Getty Images

Jailbird Lil Wayne has tapped fedora-wearing crooner Bruno Mars to join him on video for his 'Tha Carter IV' track 'Mirror.' The video is set for release in the coming weeks but in the meantime, you can preview Weezy's newfound love for abstract painting in the snippet below.

The short clip features Wayne, perched in front of a massive canvas. With a combination of acrylics and spray paint, the MC churns out a red-and-black master print in the same vein as Jackson Pollock. Splotches and dots cover Lil Wayne's shirtless chest while Bruno admires his friend's newest work.

Sucré Craft Dreamlike Pop on 'When We Were Young' -- Song Premiere

Elsie Larson (RedVelvetArt.com)

Featuring the ethereal vocals of Stacy King, along with her drummer husband Darren King, and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Larson's gorgeous soundscapes, Sucré write the kind of pop songs that get lodged into your head even before the very first chorus even kicks in. Even though their collaboration began a couple of years back, it took Stacy some time to get the nerve to ask Jeremy if he was even game to work together.

"From the first time I heard Jeremy's wonderful string compositions, I wanted to sing to them. I felt that he was doing something really beautiful and unique, and it took me a while to get up the courage to ask him to collaborate with me," says Stacy. "Among many things, Jeremy and I had this in common: my husband Darren was our favorite drummer. Thankfully, he was readily available."

Sucré will be releasing their debut album on April 10, but Spinner is thrilled to bring you the exclusive premiere of 'When We Were Young,' one of our favorite tracks off the record. The way Stacy's crystalline vocals float through the lush arrangements is almost dreamlike. This is pop music of the highest order.

Lana Del Rey Drops F-Bomb on BBC, Distances Herself From 2009 Footage

Redferns | YouTube

What does Lana Del Rey have in common with the Sex Pistols? Aside from being a divisive artist whose look and sound may be the work of clever managers, she's now sworn over British airwaves.

In an interview this morning (Jan. 23) with BBC radio host Huw Stephens, the U.K. Metro reports, the singer uttered the words "f---ing hell" during the chat. She promptly apologized for the gaffe.

This slip-up comes as footage of her from a 2009 performance has been getting attention around the Web. Back in those days, Del Rey was a pop hopeful known as Lizzy Grant, and as the video below shows, she had not yet adopted the stylized retro look that is now her signature. The singer's past has haunted her for some time, and since she broke through last year with the viral video for 'Video Games,' haters have labeled her a prefab fraud.

Northern Exposure: Adaline, 'Say Goodbye (I Won't Even)' -- Free MP3

Vanessa Heins

Singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman may be known for his quirky take on pop songcraft, but his keen production work with a wide variety of similarly-inclined artists shouldn't be overlooked -- he's helped draw out the dramatic flair in musicians from Sarah Slean to Hey Rosetta.

So hearing that Workman helped helm the new sophomore album by Vancouver songstress Adaline immediately conjures up a certain vibe -- lots of melody, lush vocals, and rich keyboard textures come to mind. And while all those elements are certainly at play on 'Modern Romantics,' there's also a sleek electro feel to the lovelorn torch songs that make up the record.

Dirty Ghosts Get Gritty on 'Ropes That Way' -- Song Premiere

Tell All Your Friends PR

Guitarist Allyson Baker has taken the last five years of her life to develop Dirty Ghosts. Though the San Francisco-based rock outfit has gone through a series of lineup changes, the heart of the band has always remained the same: Top-shelf songwriting.

Baker's latest album, 'Metal Moon,' has elements of early hardcore hooks, but with a carefully constructed pop sheen. From her early days of turning amps up to 11, the guitarist has since had a change of heart. While still maintaining a pretty loud exterior, Baker has opted for a musical role she'd never thought she's handle -- singing. And boy, can she belt it.

Digitalism on North America's Preoccuption With Dubstep

Kitsuné Music

Jens Moelle and Ismail "Isi" Tüfekçi, of the Hamburg-born electro house duo Digitalism, were raised on Eurodance and the cultural movement that is Berlin's electronic dance Love Parade, so North America's current obsession with all-things-electronic, particularly dubstep, is a little passé to them.

"Can we skip dubstep?" Isi, faux-tired of talking to North Americans about music they don't even make, asks Spinner. He laughs, and adds, "They are saying it's the new hip-hop."

Moelle intervenes, because even though Digitalism -- who released their second studio album 'I Love You, Dude' in June -- doesn't really do dubstep, it's clearly still a contentious, fun thing for the two longtime DJs to talk about.

"Yeah, apparently the guys from Korn say dubstep is the new metal because they did an album with Skrillex," he says, before elaborating on how the tides have turned for global electronic music culture in general.

Avicii Raises $1 Million to Feed Hungry Americans on 'House for Hunger' Tour

Taylor Hill, Getty Images

In the middle of a trendy restaurant in midtown Manhattan, Avicii (aka Tim Bergling) is standing by two large round tables with his manager Arash Pournouri. In just a couple hours, hundreds of house fans at Lavo nightclub across the street will be jumping and screaming for the renowned Swedish DJ/producer.

But for now, the young man wearing a beanie and a gray hoodie goes surprisingly unrecognized in the cavernous main dining hall of Tao. It's all for the better, as Bergling and the venue's PR teams have gathered some friends and journalists for a hosted dinner for another reason: Bergling and Pournouri (who goes by Ash), are in New York for a stop on their House for Hunger Tour -- a string of gigs that will result in a $1 million donation to Feeding America.

Disney Designs Joy Division-Themed Mickey Mouse Shirt

Courtesy of Disney

So yeah, this happened. Disney has inexplicably designed a Mickey Mouse logo based on -- you guessed it -- Joy Division's 'Unknown Pleasures.' One of the U.K.'s darkest bands will lend their logo to the happiest place on earth.

According to a listing on the Disney store website (via Pitchfork), "Inspired by the iconic sleeve of Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures album, this Waves Mickey Mouse Tee incorporates Mickey's image within the graphic of the pulse of a star. That's appropriate given few stars have made bigger waves than Mickey!" Ian Curtis might have been able to make bigger waves if his life hadn't been tragically cut short by his suicide.

Winston Riley Dead: Influential Reggae Producer Dies From Gunshot Wounds at 65

David Corio, Redferns

Acclaimed reggae producer Winston Riley died Sunday, Jan. 22, after succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds from a November incident at his Kingston Jamaica home, Billboard reports. Riley had been comatose in the months since the shooting, according to his son Kurt.

Riley was the target of several unexplained acts of violence in the months prior to the deadly shooting, having been shot in August and stabbed in September. Authorities never publicly announced any link between these violent occurences.

The Cranberries Return With 'Tomorrow' Video -- Watch Now!

Samir Hussein, Getty Images

It's comeback time for the Cranberries. The Irish rock band is set to release 'Roses,' its first album in 11 years, on Valentine's Day, and now they've premiered their new video for the record's first single, 'Tomorrow.'

Like the '90s hits 'Zombie' and 'Dreams,' the track features the band's signature jangle and O'Riordan's yodel-y vocals. The new video features the singer wrapped up in chains and the album's titular flower, crooning about her desire to run away with her lover before it's too late.

Bruce Springsteen Announces US Tour But No Replacement for Clarence Clemons

Danny Clinch

The Boss is back and coming to an arena near you. After slipping details of his new album 'Wrecking Ball,' Bruce Springsteen has announced the dates for the first U.S. leg of his 2012 world tour.

The E Street Band members partaking in the tour are as follows: Roy Bittan (piano, synthesizer), Nils Lofgren (guitar, vocals), Patti Scialfa (guitar, vocals), Garry Tallent (bass guitar), Steven Van Zandt (guitar, vocals) and Max Weinberg (drums). Soozie Tyrell (violin, guitar, vocals) and Charlie Giordano (keyboards) will accompany the group. Note that nobody has been chosen to handle the saxophone duties of the irreplaceable Clarence Clemons.

Oscars' Best Original Song Nominations: 'Man or Muppet' Vs. 'Real in Rio'

Disney

The 84th Academy Awards nomination list is here! And out of the 39 tunes shortlisted for Best Original Song, only two have made the cut. 'Man or Muppet' from Jason Segel's 'The Muppets' and 'Real in Rio' from the animated feature 'Rio' are the only two original tracks deemed worthy of an Oscar in 2012.

"I think that 'Man or Muppet' should be nominated for an Academy Award. You can put that in print," funnyman Segel recently told Spinner. The actor worked with Flight of the Concords scoring genius Bret McKenzie on the movie's soundtrack, and the video features Jim Parsons of 'The Big Bang Theory.'

F---ed Up Join Members of Broken Social Scene and Others for JUNO Concert Series

Chromewaves

F---ed Up, Sloan, the Sadies and members of Broken Social Scene will be among those performing over two nights at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern as part of this year's JUNO Concert Series beginning Feb. 4.

As reported by Exclaim, the first concert will be a mammoth three-set affair beginning with the Elwins who will be joined onstage by members of Broken Social Scene, Ohbijou, Sloan, Tokyo Police Club and Rural Alberta Advantage. The second set will consist of "first-wave punk" with the Sadies accompanied by members of F---ed Up, Burning Love, Career Suicide and the Curse. The third and final set will wrap up with the "Hip-Hop Karaoke crew" featuring D-Sisive, Numeric, More or Les, Choclair, Michee Mee and Dalia, among others.

In House With Chairlift: Brooklyn Duo Moves Forward With 'Something'

Damon Dahlen, AOL

In House is AOL Music's series in which we welcome artists into our offices to play some music, chat with our staffers and, generally, just hang out. For our latest visit, Spinner sat down with Brooklyn electropop duo Chairlift to discuss their past success, lineup changes and their new album, 'Something.'

Chairlift are finally back with 'Something,' the follow-up to their 2008 debut, 'Does You Inspire You,' which amounts to what geologists might term an era in today's fast-changing musical landscape. Since then, much has evolved in the Chairlift camp. Several personnel shifts have led to somewhat of a sea change in their sound, while founding member and frontwoman Caroline Polachek's star continues to rise.

Chairlift first broke onto the mainstream in 2008 when their song 'Bruises' was picked by Steve Jobs to be featured in an iPod Nano commercial. When asked how she felt about Jobs' passing, Polachek responded simply: "Scared." Since then, if anything, Chairlift have favored the iPod-commercial-friendly aspect of their personality, though maintaining a very healthy dose of art-school weirdness.

Neil Young Backs Occupy Audio, Announces New Crazy Horse Album

Steve Jennings, WireImage

Neil Young took to Facebook Tuesday to share his support of Occupy Audio, a proposed music initiative which hopes to "get the sound back to the people." And judging by the list of people onside, it definitely has some clout.

"I support Occupy Audio," Young said in a post on his page. "Thanks for listening."

A two-minute video clip was also posted on Occupy Audio's Facebook page. The clip begins with Young and David Crosby sitting in a car before Crosby gets out and says, "That's the best sound I ever heard in a car ever in my life, and as a matter of fact, it might be some of the best sound I ever heard."

Dion Explores Bluesy Side of His Hits and the 'Pain' of Buddy Holly Plane Crash

Allison Michael Orenstein

It was with his street corner buddies from the Bronx, Carlo Mastrangelo, Angelo D'Aleo and the recently deceased Fred Milano that Dion Dimucci changed the musical world. As Dion and the Belmonts, they all but owned the late-1950s pop charts with tunes including 'I Wonder Why' and 'A Teenager in Love.' DiMucci found even more meteoric success with his solo hits 'Runaround Sue,' 'The Wanderer' and 1968's 'Abraham, Martin and John.'

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, today Dion lives in Florida with his wife of 48 years, Sue. And now, the legendary rock 'n' roller releases his new album, 'Tank Full of Blues,' which you can stream below. It's his third blues-themed album in the trilogy of recordings that started in 2006 with the release of 'Bronx in Blue.' Unlike Dion's two preceding blues albums, his latest release is comprised almost entirely of original, newly written songs. It's a personal, evocative collection that finds the artist in exceptional form.

Dion recently spoke with Spinner about the new album, his storied career, Bob Dylan and "The Day the Music Died."

Todd Terje Crafts Entire New EP on One Synthesizer

Pitch Perfect PR

Norwegian disco DJ and producer Todd Terje, whose single 'Ragysh' was among our top electronic songs of 2011, has just released 'It's the Arps,' a four-song EP composed entirely of sounds produced by the ARP2600 analog synth.

We talked with Terje about his new EP and upcoming LP and remix projects, as well as his Olsen record label and the venerable Norwegian disco scene, which has also produced similarly revered cosmic compatriots Prins Thomas and Lindstrøm.

Mick Jagger Ditches Prime Minister's Event After Feeling Like a 'Political Football'

Kevin Mazur, WireImage

British Prime Minister David Cameron has made his musical tastes well known over the past several weeks, but recently he's found himself in a bit of a musical tiff. Rolling Stones frontman and jangly skeleton dancer Mick Jagger pulled out of an event hosted by the PM because he felt he was being used as a "political football."

Jagger was scheduled to appear at the Davos Summit in Switzerland to take part in a campaign to promote foreign investment alongside famous Brits like model Lily Cole and inventor Tim Berners-Lee who invented a little series of tubes called the Internet. However, he has now pulled out after wishing to steer clear of any outright political endorsements.

Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst Fights Efforts to Stop Omaha Anti-Bias Law

Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images

Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and other Omaha musicians signed a Jan. 23 letter demanding Nebraska lawmakers stop a law that would prevent the city and other towns from passing anti-discrimination legislation. The musicians feel the law would send a "message to the world that Nebraska is not forward thinking or welcoming."

According to The Omaha World-Herald, Oberst and the other artists said it was "deplorable and unacceptable" to try to stop Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray from moving forward on an ordinance to ban discrimination against homosexual and transgender people. The letter was sent to state senators on Judiciary Committee of the state legislature.

"We were excited to learn that Councilman Ben Gray was going forward to put forth a citywide ordinance that would ensure equal employment opportunity for all, including our LGBT community," the letter says.

Bachman & Turner 'Takin' Care of Business' in New Will Ferrell Film

Christie Goodwin, Redferns

Legendary Canadian rockers Randy Bachman and Fred Turner of Bachman & Turner will appear in 'Dog Fight,' an upcoming motion picture starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the musicians spent four days in New Orleans on set of the film directed by Jay Roach ('Austin Powers').

"It was really hard work, long days and about 200 people on set," the band's manager Gilles Paquin said. "But it's one of the biggest movies of the year and it's great positioning for the band."

Alan Wilkis Debuts His Newest PRINT, 'Shadow' -- Song Premiere + Free Download

Alan Wilkis

Alan Wilkis is one of Brooklyn, N.Y.'s best kept secrets. The producer has been remixing the likes of Yeasayer, RJD2, Phantogram and many others to great critical acclaim, but now it's time for the beatmaker to put on his bandleader cap and step out on his own. Wilkis' newest project, 'PRINTS,' is a multimedia collection of songs, videos and art installations that all stem from the same instrumental seed.

After working the Kickdrums on 'Come and Go' and getting the remix treatment from Spacebrother and Big Pooh, Wilkis is releasing 'Shadow,' which features the gritty rhymes of Lyrics Born and the sweet vocals of White Hinterland.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Rock From All Sides in 'Look Around' -- Video Premiere

Warner Bros.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' new video for 'Look Around' is sure to get your head spinning with fresh funk jams, shaving cream fountains and some vintage Peppers antics. The Robert Hales-directed video features the band in adjoining rooms, rocking out in their very own ways.

'Look Around' begins with Anthony Kiedis noodle-dancing through the Chili crew's different worlds. A blue-haired Flea and his lady friend shake to to the chugging bass line while drummer Chad Smith works on a pesky clog in a spacious bathroom. The Red Hot newbie, Josh Klinghoffer, who replaced veteran guitarist John Frusciante, chills out in a bare studio with just a tiny lamp by his side.

Vanilla Ice Goes Indie Rock With Acoustic 'Ice Ice Baby' Performance -- Video

YouTube

Listen! Ice is back with a brand new invention: Indie Vanilla Ice. After going through several image overhauls, rumor has it that the music industry veteran moved to Echo Park, Los Angeles after finally figuring out a sure-fire way to success.

In this pitch-perfect parody of hipsterdom for E!'s 'The Soup,' Vanilla Ice executes the ultimate double bluff. "It's kind of the irony is folded back so many times that nobody can tell if it's cool or if people just think it's cool," he explains in businesslike manner.

Blue Ivy: Weed Named After Beyonce's Child Emerges in L.A.

Al Bello, Getty Images

One week has passed since the birth of Jay-Z and Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy, pop culture's most celebrated child. In the most recent news surrounding baby Blue, a strain of marijuana has been named after the celebrity offspring and is being sold in dispensaries on the West Coast.

According to TMZ, which supplies a photo of the drug labeled with the infant's name, legal weed shops in Hollywood are serving customers with a kind of marijuana called OG Blue Ivy. The dispensaries reportedly have not been contacted by Hov or Bey regarding the name of the weed, so stores are still selling to eager smokers.

Diddy Sued Over Name of Empress Fragrance Line

Jon Kopaloff, FilmMagic

Would Diddy's new Empress Sean John fragrance by any other name smell as sweet? If one cosmetics company gets its way, we may soon find out.

As Allhiphop.com reports, Empress Haircare Products has filed a lawsuit against the hip-hop mogul, claiming that his Sean John clothing company stole its name. According to the suit, Diddy's reps tried to trademark "Empress" last year, and when that failed, they offered to buy the rights.

When Empress refused to sell, Diddy's peeps reportedly tried to trademark the slightly different term "Empress Sean John." They were again turned down, but that didn't stop Sean John from releasing its Empress Sean John line of lotions and scents.

Amy Winehouse's Father Considering Pay-Per-View Tribute Concert

Yui Mok, PA Photos

Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch, is reportedly working on a humdinger of a concert to honor his late daughter. The lineup promises to be so strong, the Sun reports, that he's hoping fans will "pay a few quid" to watch the show on television.

Lest anyone think he's shamelessly cashing in on Amy's memory, money from the pay-per-view gig would go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity the songstress' family started for troubled youngsters.

"Big artists will be booked from both sides of the Atlantic so people will want to see it," a source told the U.K. newspaper. "It will be a huge event."

Lana Del Rey on 'SNL': Cool? Nervous? As Bad as Juliette Lewis Thinks?

Peter Wafzig, Getty Images

No matter what Lana Del Rey did last night on 'Saturday Night Live,' she was bound to get people talking -- and critics typing. Since emerging last year with the viral video for her song 'Video Games,' the singer has divided the indie-rock community, striking some as an icy-cool purveyor of vintage style and modern ennui, others as a prefab pop princess posing as a more substantive artist.

Sure enough, Del Rey's 'SNL' performances -- 'Video Games' and 'Blue Jean,' both posted below -- have already sparked a flurry of Twitter commentaries. As Hollywood Reporter points out, actress and musician Juliette Lewis was among the first to slam the rising singer.

"Wow watching this 'singer' on SNL is like watching a 12 yearold [sic] in their bedroom when theyre pretending to sing and perform," Lewis reportedly tweeted, although the post seems to have been deleted.

Gerry Rafferty's Fiancee Seeks Portion of Late Singer's Estate

Stuart Mostyn, Redferns

When Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish singer and songwriter behind the hits 'Baker Street' and 'Stuck in the Middle With You,' died last year at the age of 63, he was engaged to marry a woman named Ezina Fuschini. Unfortunately, the Stealers Wheel founder had written his will before meeting her in 2008, and as a result, she received no part of his $1.9 million estate.

Now, the Daily Mail reports, Fuschini has launched a legal fight to get what she says is her fair share of the money. Invoking Britain's Inheritance Act of 1975, a statute that allows individuals who had been financially supported by deceased parties to seek "reasonable financial provision," Rafferty's former fiancee is appealing to Britain's High Court.

Following Rafferty's death in January 2011 -- the result of liver failure brought on by years of alcohol abuse -- his entire estate went to his daughter, Martha. Songwriting royalties, meanwhile, were put in a trust given to his granddaughter Celia.

Girls, Real Estate and King Krule in NYC: Hot Indie Sounds on a Cold Night

Cory Schwartz, Getty Images

Last night (Jan. 14), with the streets of New York City acting as high-powered, freezing wind tunnels, the discerning audience at a sold-out Terminal 5 hoped some of the hottest up-and-coming indie acts would thaw its hearts -- and its fingertips.

Having sold out the smaller New York venue Mercury Lounge on Wednesday, Archy Marshall, better known as King Krule, opened the show with a 30-minute set, mixing New Wave and dubstep. The 17-year-old flame-haired singer drew mostly from his eponymous EP and the earlier material he released under the name Zoo Kid. Marshall's voice makes quite an impression, suggesting Elvis Costello at his cheekiest and Tom Waits at his most sincere.

Bob Dylan Honors Martin Scorsese by Growling Out 'Blind Willie McTell'

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Bob Dylan honored director and fellow blues enthusiast Martin Scorsese with a performance last night at the Critics Choice Movie Awards. The movie maven was selected as the evening's Music + Film honoree.

Dylan took the stage to perform 'Blind Willie McTell' in a voice that sounded like melted gravel. The performance was a telling tribute to Scorsese, who's keen appreciation for music has been crystallized in musical documentaries like the Band's 'Last Waltz,' the Rolling Stones' 'Shine A Light,' Dylan's 'No Direction Home,' George Harrison's 'Living in the Material World' and the PBS series 'The Blues,' in which the song is included.

Dragonette, Deadmau5 and Sheepdogs Up For Canadian Radio Music Awards

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'Hello,' the genre-bending hit single from Martin Solveig and Dragonette, is up in five categories at this year's Canadian Radio Music Awards. The awards – "celebrating first-time top charting Canadian artists" and now in its 15th year -- will be handed out during a gala luncheon at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel on March 23 as part of Canadian Music Week.

The song is in the CHR (contemporary hit category) and will go up against Deadmau5's 'Sofi Needs A Ladder' in the Dance/Urban/Rhythmic category. 'Hello' is also up for SOCAN Song of the Year alongside Simple Plan's 'Jet Lag' and Fefe Dobson's 'Stuttering' among others. "'HELLO' IS NOW OFFICIALLY PLATINUM IN THE U.S.," the group tweeted on Jan. 4. "Hellaplatinum! Hooray to the US and our 1million favorite Americans!"

John Stamos to Perform With the Beach Boys During 50th Anniversary Tour

Photo by Zoltan LeClerc, Getty Images for IMG

Actor extraordinaire John Stamos dropped an awesome-bomb on the world Thursday night when he revealed to TMZ's snooping cameras that he will take part in the Beach Boys reunion. The surviving members of the group have not performed together since Brian Wilson stopped touring in 1966, and with the addition of honorary Beach Boy Stamos, it will once again be a full house.

A likely inebriated Uncle Jesse was at Los Angeles' Comedy Store when he confirmed rumors of involvement that had been circulating since the band announced their 2012 tour, saying that the Beach Boys had "asked me to be part of the show ... I feel very honored." He then promptly went to go hang out with a guy who looks like Jesus.

Adele Performing at the Brit Awards, Possibly the Grammys?

Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic

Adele will make her long-awaited return to the stage on Feb. 21 at the Brit Awards, organizers for the event confirmed. This will be her first appearance since she underwent vocal-cord surgery in November.

"F---ing happy, thank you for the nods xx," Adele tweeted on Thursday, responding to her three nominations at the Brits.

Now, the big question is whether or not she'll be able to perform at the Grammys, where she's up for six nominations, including Song and Record of the Year for 'Rolling in the Deep' and Album of the Year for '21.' The ceremony will take place on Feb. 12.

Mavis Staples: 'We're Not All the Way Where Dr. King Wanted to Take Us'

Chris Strong

Mavis Staples began her singing career in 1950 as a God-fearing gospel belter alongside her sisters in a family band. But as America began confronting its racial demons in the following decade, the Staple Singers joined the uprising.

Roebuck "Pops" Staples, a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr and the band's songwriter and guitarist, steered his daughters beyond the spiritual to address more pressing earthly concerns. Message songs like 'Long Walk to DC,' 'When Will We Be Paid' and 'Respect Yourself' were Civil Rights anthems and the eventual Rock and Roll Hall of Famers topped the charts with their celebratory classic 'I'll Take You There.'

In the decades since, Mavis Staples has continued to spread her activist message through song while fans like Prince and, most recently, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy have helped reintroduce the legend to new audiences. Last year's album, 'You Are Not Alone,' produced by Tweedy for hip record label Anti-, won Staples her first Grammy (not counting the Staple Singers' 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award) and she'll soon be returning to Tweedy's studio.

On the eve of her tour, launching Jan. 15 with a Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute concert, Staples spoke to Spinner about her pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement, her thoughts on hip-hop materialism and her wish that Justin Bieber and Katy Perry would sing inspirational songs that could change the world.