Classic LYRICS

Q&A: Actor Szmanda tunes in new role at radio station (Reuters)
Reuters - When Clear Channel wanted to launch a format-free Internet radio station called erockster, executive VP/head of online music and radio Evan Harrison turned to his old friend Eric Szmanda for ideas. Best known for playing Greg Sanders on the hit series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," Szmanda at first seems like an unlikely choice for leading such a major initiative at the world's largest radio broadcaster.

Judge denies media motion in R. Kelly trial (AP)

AP - A judge has denied a motion from news organizations seeking immediate access to sealed court records and transcripts in the R. Kelly child pornography trial.

Government launches appeal to deny Snoop Dogg a U.K. visa (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - The British Government has launched a second appeal to try to prevent Snoop Dogg from entering the U.K.

Idols Hit the Road (E! Online)

E! Online - Millions will vote for the latest American Idol. Only nine will spend the summer with him.

Does She Call Gwen Stefani "Mommy"? (E! Online)

E! Online - There's no doubt in my mind the teen daughter of Gwen Stefani's hubby, Gavin Rossdale, could well be on her way to becoming New York City's next It girl.

Montgomery Gentry gets "Back" in focus on new album (Reuters)
Reuters - On their 2006 country top 10 single "Some People Change," Montgomery Gentry sang, "Don't give up hope, some people change." That advice could apply to the way the veteran duo is approaching its career these days.

T.I. Welcomes, Demotes Second Son (E! Online)

E! Online - T.I. may want to start saving up for some therapy sessions right about now.

Damon Albarn's 'Gorillaz' musical journeys west (Yahoo! Music)
Yahoo! Music - Damon Albarn's circus opera is set to make its U.S. debut on May 22.

Usher "Here" with new stories (Reuters)

Reuters - Outside the windows of a 36th-floor conference-room suite at New York's Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the morning is gray and befit for April showers. Always the trendsetter, R&B star Usher has plucked from his wardrobe a navy blue military-style button-up adorned with gold clasps to complete his jeans-and-sneaker ensemble.

Tribbett takes a "Stand" for gospel music (Reuters)
Reuters - A few years ago, Tye Tribbett made a decision to forgo a lucrative career working with music stars like Faith Hill, Don Henley and Elton John to answer God's call in the gospel music arena.