American Idol's David Archuleta Pausing Career for Church Mission

Watch video of the announcement here.

Super Bowl Including Madonna's Half Time Show To Be Streamed Online

(popmusiclife) Music fans all over the globe will be able to watch the 2012 Super Bowl live as it happens, and that includes Madonna's Halftime Show.

The NFL and broadcast partner NBC announced Tuesday that The Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and NBC's wild-card playoff games will be streamed online and on mobile phones for the first time.

The games will be streamed online at NBCSports.com and NFL.com through SNF Extra, which features an HD broadcast, DVR-style controls, additional camera angles, in-game highlights, live statistics and interactive elements. more on this story

Leona Lewis To Perform On X Factor Tomorrow

(RCA) X Factor UK winner Leona Lewis is scheduled to perform on the finale of X Factor US this Thursday, 12/22. She will be performing her hit single "Run."

This week, Leona Lewis released an EP of three of her favorite songs, the title track "Hurt" (as interpreted by Johnny Cash/co-produced by Graham Stack and Matt Furmidge),"Iris" (Goo Goo Dolls), and "Colorblind" (Counting Crows).

Leona has been in the studio finishing her forthcoming third studio album Glassheart, set for release next year. Most recently she has been working with acclaimed British producer Fraser T Smith who has worked with artists such as Adele, Kylie Minogue, Cee-Lo Green, Britney Spears and Ellie Goulding. After working together on songs for the new album they decided to put together an EP to be released for fans while Glassheart is being completed.

Rihanna Teases Fans

(popmusiclife) Rihanna is getting set to release her new video for "You Da One," the next single from her "Talk That Talk" album.

The pop superstar is now giving fans a sneak peak of what they can expect with a behind the scenes look at the London video shoot.

"Talk That Talk" continues to ride high on the US charts, with its first single, "We Found Love," enjoying a 7-week run at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album is #12 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Check out the tease here.

Myspace Release On Demand Music Player That Works On Facebook

The new Myspace Music Player release has been announced and aside from working on rival Facebook, it is said to empower fans to access the world's largest catalog of music online. Here are the official details

The new player is the first to provide free unlimited on-demand listening, lean-back personalized radio mode, improved search functionality, as well as instant sync capabilities that allows people to share the music they've listened to on Myspace with their friends on Facebook.

The player's advanced features reflect Myspace's DNA: promoting and enabling music sharing and discovery. Through unique licensing agreements with Sony, Universal, EMI and Warner (aka The Big Four record labels) and partnerships with 20,000 independent labels, Myspace has unrivaled global rights to more than 42 million songs, boasting a library that is three-times the size of other online catalogs. more on this story

iCARLY iSoundtrack II Coming Next Month

Columbia Records and Nickelodeon have set a January 24th, 2012 release date for iCARLY - iSoundtrack II - Music From And Inspired By The Hit TV Show.

The album features music from the wildly popular TV show starring teen sensation Miranda Cosgrove, as well as tracks inspired by iCarly from today's biggest hitmakers like Katy Perry, Ke$ha and Taio Cruz

iCARLY - iSoundtrack II - Music From And Inspired By The Hit TV Show was executive produced by Dr. Luke (P!nk, Avril Lavigne) and Miranda Cosgrove. more on this story

Brooke Mueller Trying To Block Coverage of Cocaine Case

(TMZ) Brooke Mueller wants her first court appearance in her cocaine case to be a TMZ-free zone ... because they want to make the case really boring so no one will cover it.

Brooke's lawyer has filed legal papers trying to block TMZ from livestreaming her arraignment in Aspen. As you know, Brooke was busted for cocaine possession earlier this month.

According to the legal docs, Brooke's lawyer is arguing that video of the proceeding would "unduly detract from the solemnity, decorum and dignity of the court." Cutting to the chase, Brooke's lawyer says without our camera "this case may become less interesting."

How's this for less interesting -- don't walk around Aspen with 4 grams of cocaine ... allegedly. more on this story

Mormon Church Deny Making Bizarre Million Dollar Demand of Detroit Pistons Owner

(TMZ) Detroit Pistons billionaire owner Tom Gores was harassed at his house Sunday night ... when two unidentified men showed up at his doorstep, demanding over a MILLION bucks for the Mormon Church -- law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

It's a bizarre tale -- we're told Tom was specifically targeted by the duo, which tracked him down at his home in L.A.'s exclusive Mulholland Estates, the same gated community where Charlie Sheen lives.

Law enforcement sources tell us, the men knocked on Tom's door at 10pm Sunday night, insisting he accept a delivery of an unspecified item.

Words were exchanged, but eventually the weirdos took off -- leaving behind a package full of papers, one of which demanded more than a million bucks for the Mormon Church.

As for motive ... unclear -- except that Tom is filthy rich, worth an estimated $2.4 billion. LAPD is investigating.

A rep for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tells us, "We haven't heard anything about this, but it certainly has nothing to do with us, and it sounds very bizarre." Calls to Tom were not returned. more on this story

Kardashian Sparks Real Estate War

(TMZ) Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom have already wreaked havoc in Dallas, by setting off a war among a number of high-end realtors who are vying for their business.

The displaced couple has been looking for a place to live, and rather than using just one realtor, they decided 6 would be 6 times better. Here's the problem ... the realtors claim Khloe and Lamar made each of them feel as if they were the only ones, and they're now fighting over who can lay claim to a commission.

And it gets even better, because cameras for their reality show have been following Khloe and Lamar around during their house hunt, with different realtors in tow. So the realtors not only think they'll score a commission, they're also dreaming of fame.

Apparently Khloe and Lamar have recognized their lapse of etiquette, and they've settled on just one realtor. What's more, we're told they just found a condo in the W Hotel. It's a 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 1800 square-foot pad. It's listed for lease at $7,500 a month. more on this story

Father of Heisman Trophy Winner Warns Sport Agents

(TMZ) Robert Griffin III is getting some serious protection off the field from his father -- who's demanding potential sports agents back off his Heisman Trophy winning son while he decides if he's jumping to the NFL.

Sources close to RG3's family tell TMZ, RG2 (aka Dad) has decided any agents who contact his son directly will be out of the running to sign him ... and thereby, screwed out of a future multi-million dollar commission.

We're told Dad wants all the agents to contact him -- leaving RG3 alone to focus on next week's Alamo Bowl, and his Master's degree. Believe it or not, some reps are playing ball -- we're told Dad's talking to 5 big-time agents ... just in case RG3 goes pro.

As for that big decision -- our source says Griffin is stressed about it, and far from a lock to go pro ... partially because he doesn't want to "let people down" at Baylor.

Is this kid perfect, or what? more on this story

Michaele Salahi Claims Tareq Terrorized Her

(TMZ) Tareq Salahi is a violent control freak who employs psychotic scare tactics to terrorize Michaele Salahi ... at least that what she says.

Michaele wants the judge in her divorce case to grant a legal separation STAT, so she can be free of the spell Tareq has cast over her ... according to legal docs obtained by TMZ.

Michaele explains in her papers that she fled to Journey guitarist Neal Schon because she just plain feared for her physical safety.

According to Michaele, the Summer of 2011 was the season of rage for Tareq -- culminating in physical violence against her.

The final straw came on September 11th ... Michaele claims she returned from an errand a few hours late, and Tareq turned out all the lights and waited for her in the basement ... telling her she needed a lesson in fear. Two days later, Michaele fled to Neal ... fearing for her safety.

As for Tareq -- he categorically denies the allegations ... telling TMZ, Michaele is a "chronic liar" whose accusations are "absurd." Tareq insists he loved her and did everything humanly possible to support her during their marriage. more on this story

Scars on 45 Announce North American Tour

Scars on 45 will kick of the New Year with a North American tour. And it is not just any tour, it will be their first-ever U.S. headline tour.

The dates begin January 25th at San Francisco's Café du Nord and then continue through mid-February.

Support on most dates will come from the band's Chop Shop/Atlantic labelmate, Anya Marina more on this story

New Common Album Arrives

Rapper Common released his 9th studio album "The Dreamer, The Believer," this week and Warner Bros. Records sent over these comments about it:

The album is a full-circle journey through life, love and reality. "I wanted to make an album that everyone could relate to and also showcases my experiences. My career has taken many directions in the past couple of years as well as my personal life," reflects Common."

The lead single "Blue Sky" touches on the importance of reaching for your goals despite your current circumstance: "Daylight beams, night-life schemes/ This is my inception I'm writing my dreams." Elsewhere, "Cloth" demonstrates a symbolic view of relationships and the belief that your mate has to be cut from the same values and beliefs ("We can cover each other through the coldest nights/ Tight, never smother, It's two things that seems to hold us together/ God is our tailor and forever), while "Raw (How You Like It)" is a throwback to real hip-hop battles and natural bravado ("Dude got vile like crack in the 80's/ You don't want to test this yo/ You never know who got a tech up in the disco"). more on this story

Sarah McLachlan Releases Collaborative Christmas Song With A Twist

RCA sent over exciting news for Sarah McLachlan fans: McLachlan and students from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) teamed up to record an original Christmas song and music video featuring original lyrics by student Freya Cirulis (17) with music by SoM students.

"Space on the Couch for Two" features the talents of Sarah McLachlan on lead vocals, with background vocals and instruments performed by students.

This song is offered free of charge on the Sarah McLachlan School of Music website: sarahschoolofmusic.com or "Space on the Couch for Two" in the hopes that people's generosity will allow the Sarah McLachlan School of Music to continue providing exceptional opportunities for at-risk youth in Vancouver, BC to learn music. 100% of the profits made from the sale of this song will go to support the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. more on this story

Joan Osborne To Give Fans The Blues Next Year

(Webster) Joan Osborne will release her new blues-inspired album, Bring it on Home, on March 27, 2012 via Saguaro Road Records. Here is the official word with the details: Joan Osborne recalls how "Blues music rescued me when I was in need of rescue."

Joan Osborne - Bring It On HomeOn her newest album, Bring it on Home, Joan returns the favor and it's the blues that gets new life. Drawing from a voice the New York Times called "angelic ecstasy and sexual abandon," Joan Osborne has at long last made an album of vintage blues, R&B and soul songs.

A collection of some of her favorite classic songs, Bring it on Home is Osborne's tribute to the music she has long loved and drew inspiration from. "I knew that, someday, when the time was right and my voice was ready," Osborne says, "I wanted to make a recording like the one you're holding now." With vocals that growl and soar, Osborne alternately cries out with heart-wrenching soul and foot-stomping grooves. more on this story

CD for the Troops V Provided To 1 Million Service Members, Veterans, And Military Families

Operation Homefront, the non-profit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families and Wounded Warriors, announced that with this month's release of "CD for the Troops V," the series of albums will have been provided to 1 million service members, veterans, and military families.

This fifth album includes songs from 11 artists, including Grammy Award-nominated John Ondrasik, to show their support for all service members and their families. Operation Homefront is a co-producer of the series.

"John Ondrasik's love for our military families and devotion to the welfare of our men and women in uniform comes through again in this fifth album," said Amy Palmer, Chief Operating Officer for Operation Homefront. "All of the talented artists who have lent their voices to 'CD for the Troops V' have shown their support for our military in an incredible way." more on this story

Marc Anthony Giving Staff Caribbean Vacation for Christmas

(TMZ) Marc Anthony clearly wants to show he's a cooler boss than Jennifer Lopez -- treating his 14-person staff to an all-expenses-paid vacation ... to the Dominican Republic!!!

Sources close to Marc tell TMZ, Marc took his immediate staff on a vacation retreat to DR as a holiday present to thank them for their hard work.

We're told Marc put the staff up at an exclusive resort for 5 days in La Romana -- and comped meals, drinks, and entertainment.

But it wasn't all mindless self-indulgence -- Marc and his staff also paid a visit to the city's Niños de Cristo orphanage to spend some time with the less fortunate . Your move, J.Lo. more on this story

Rachel Taylor Brown Releases Holiday Album

Rachel Taylor Brown has released a holiday album entitled 7 Small Winter Songs and a collection of unreleased, stripped down recordings entitled Songs Without A Home.

Her decision to put these online (7 Small Winter Songs has only previously been available at her shows) was made in part to give fans more material and a look into her creative process.

But, also to further promote her latest full-length, World So Sweet, which came out earlier this fall. more on this story

NBC Correspondent Arrested At Jerry Sandusky's Lawyer Party

(TMZ) An NBC Correspondent was arrested last week after allegedly getting wasted at a party thrown by Jerry Sandusky's lawyer ... TMZ has learned.

The Correspondent -- Jay Gray -- was invited by attorney Joe Amendola to watch the New York Giants game at his house on December 11. Amendola invited reporters from other media outlets as well, all of whom were vying for an exclusive interview with Sandusky.

One source familiar with the party tells TMZ ... Gray got "really drunk" during the game. Sometime after midnight, Gray left the party and began driving. He was stopped by a Pennsylvania State Police officer for a traffic violation, which quickly turned into a DUI stop.

According to police records obtained by TMZ, "He [Gray] had been drinking and was arrested for DUI." The time of arrest was 1:45 AM on December 12.

We left messages for Gray but did not hear back. Ditto Amendola.

NBC had no comment. more on this story

Deion Sanders To Lose His $21 Million Home

(TMZ) Deion Sanders is going to wish he lived in a one-bedroom apartment in a bad part of town -- because TMZ has learned a provision in his prenup states the bigger the home he lives in ... the more he has to fork over to his soon-to-be ex-wife Pilar.

As TMZ first reported, Deion and Pilar are ending their marriage after 12 years. According to our sources, the papers will be filed soon.

Sources close to the couple tell us Deion had agreed to buy Pilar a house when they split ... equal to half the value of whatever their current home is. Well nowadays they live in Prosper, TX -- in a home that's almost 30,000 square feet, with 10 bedrooms, 9 full baths (and 4 half baths) ... and a listing price of $21 million.

We're told Pilar has been house hunting since Thanksgiving, looking for a home in the $9-12 million range.

Love hurts. more on this story