Jay-Z is headed to court. On Tuesday, a federal court judge dismissed Jay's motion for summary judgment and ruled that a jury will determine whether Hova, Roc-A-Fella Records and its parent company, Island Def Jam, owe monetary damages to Demme Ulloa, who claims she came up with the counter melody to "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" but was never compensated. The parties are due in court May 11. ...

Queen Latifah has signed on to executive produce the UPN sitcom "WHOT." According to a spokesperson for the network, the new show will be an updated spin on the popular late '70s sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati." Specifically, the show will tell the story of a young white woman who gets hired to manage a hip-hop radio station. The project is currently in the script-development stage. ... Wade Robson is developing his own line of dance shoes as part of an endorsement deal with footwear company Power Athletic Shoes. "It'll be the next best thing to dancing barefoot," Robson said of the line. No date has been set for the launch. ...

Singer Daniel Bedingfield was released from the Whangarei Hospital Tuesday after being treated for neck injuries suffered in a single-car accident over New Year's weekend. Bedingfield damaged the vertebrae in his neck but did not experience any loss of motor or sensory functions. He will spend two to three months at his home in his native New Zealand recovering and then plans to finish recording an album he started before the accident. ... While the countdown to Michael Jackson's arraignment on Friday continues, the media has renewed efforts at getting the court to unseal certain documents — such as the search warrant, affidavit and list of items seized from Neverland. CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX News and The New York Times — who filed the original motion on January 7 — are now joined by the Los Angeles Times, Court TV and The Associated Press, and jointly filed a formal reply Tuesday to Jackson's motion on Monday in opposition to their request to unseal the documents. The media's reply argues that the search warrant was a matter of public interest, especially considering the singer's contention on "60 Minutes" that areas had been searched without a warrant, such as his office. ...  

Swedish garage rockers the Hives will re-invade the States in March, for the annual South by Southwest music conference. Meanwhile, the band continues to work on its new album, the follow-up to Veni Vedi Vicious. The LP, due this summer, will be the band's first studio album in four years. ... After it dropped in the U.K. this summer, psychedelic retro-rockers the Coral's second album, Magic and Medicine, will get a Stateside release February 10. ...

Ex-Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones is producing the sophomore album by New Zealand garage rockers the Datsuns. The yet-untitled album is currently scheduled for May release. ... Having wrapped up tours with Liz Phair and Jason Mraz, Norwegian songsmith Sondre Lerche is preparing to release his second album, Two Way Monologue, on March 9. The LP follows 2002's Faces Down. ...

His former band Quiet Riot is best known for covering songs by '70s glam rockers Slade — "Cum on Feel the Noize" and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" — so it should come as no surprise that singer Kevin DuBrow is working on a solo album composed of covers of songs by '70s bands Mott the Hoople, Humble Pie, Silverhead and others. The record is being recorded in Las Vegas and will be released by the spring. ...

01.13.2003

Studio estimates on Sunday had "Big Fish" topping the box office a few hundred thousand dollars ahead of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," but final numbers Monday put the finale of the epic hobbit trilogy at #1. "The Return of the King" has now been the most popular movie in the U.S. for four straight weekends. ...

The judge who will preside over the Michael Jackson trial has made his first ruling — no cameras will be allowed in the courtroom. Judge Rodney Melville has yet to rule on a second motion, to unseal certain court documents such as the search warrant, the alleged victim's affidavit, and the list of items seized during the search at Neverland. Jackson's attorney Mark Geragos filed a motion opposing the media's request to unseal the documents, so Melville is now allowing the defense to take a look a the documents before he decides if the media gets a peek as well. His ultimate decision is expected Friday at the arraignment. ...

In a move that surprised the music industry Tuesday, Antonio "L.A." Reid was forced out as president and CEO of Arista Records. Reid was one of the more popular executives in the business and was responsible for stewarding the careers of artists like Outkast, Usher, Pink, TLC and Avril Lavigne. One of the motivating factors behind the move could be the impending merger between Sony and BMG, which owns Arista, RCA/J Records and Jive. ... Jadakiss, members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Carl Thomas, Fat Joe and Jaheim will all be appearing at this year's Mixtape Awards. The ceremony takes place Wednesday in New York at an undisclosed location. ...

Rush fans are being told to cool it by Sheriff Don Hunter, who's investigating Alex Lifeson's arrest for aggravated battery on a law-enforcement officer, among other offenses, on New Year's Eve. In an article in Florida's Naples Daily News, Hunter asked fans to stop verbally attacking his personnel, the hotel where the incident took place and the community. Lifeson's arraignment is scheduled for January 26. ... "Sesame Street" will be the most musical road in town this spring when Norah Jones, Ruben Studdard, Cher and Harry Connick Jr. drop by the children's program, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary. In a tribute to the sometimes vowel, Jones will sing the parody "Don't Know Why 'Y' Didn't Come." ...

Like Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves and Kevin Bacon before them, Juliette Lewis and Colin Farrell are the latest actors to get into the music game. Lewis and her band the Licks, which features ex-Hole drummer Patti Schemel, played the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve and are in the process of recording an EP with the help of Svengali-come-lately Linda Perry. Farrell, meanwhile, performs a cover of "I Fought the Law," a tune popularized by the Bobby Fuller Four in 1966, on the soundtrack to his film "Intermission." The flick hits theaters March 19, while the soundtrack, which also features contributions from U2, Ron Sexsmith and the Thrills, is due March 16. ... Trapt will headline the annual SnoCore package tour, scheduled to begin March 4 in Washington, D.C. Smile Empty Soul, Finger Eleven and Strata, a new band whose debut album is due this summer, will serve as openers. In addition to the music, the two-month trek features giant video screens projecting the extreme antics of free-riding snowboarders. ...

Kurtis Blow Jr., the son of the hip-hop pioneer, is taking after his old man. The 18-year-old MC is working on his debut album, which is expected in April. Blow Sr., meanwhile, is working on a documentary film, "The History of Hip-Hop." ... Cee-Lo's Cee-Lo Green Is the Soul Machine has been pushed back to March 16. Timbaland produced the first single, "I'll Be Around," while the Neptunes, Organized Noize, Jazze Pha and DJ Premier also produced tracks. ...

Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan became a father in late December. His daughter, Maya Jean, was born in Chicago to Dan and his girlfriend. "She's got big wisps of a full head of black hair," Disturbed frontman David Draiman said. "She's very cute and he's very, very happy." ... Thrice will launch a U.S. tour with screamo bands Poison the Well, My Chemical Romance and Moments in Grace on March 17 in Latham, New York. The trek, which will begin after Thrice return from their world tour, ends in Ventura, California on April 8. ...

Diana Ross' lawyers indicated Monday that the singer will accept a plea deal on drunken driving charges in Tucson, Arizona. Ross earlier pleaded not guilty in Tucson City Court, but under the new arrangement she will change her plea and avoid a trial. ... Nominees for the British answer to the Grammy Awards, the Brit Awards, were announced Tuesday. David Bowie and Dizzee Rascal are among the artists up for Brit Male Solo Artist of the Year, while the Darkness, Sugababes and Radiohead are among the nominees competing for British Group of the Year. The Brits are taking a look across the pond as well, as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera are among the artists up for international recognition. The awards show takes place February 17 in London. ...

Kid Rock has extended his North American tour through March 6 in Memphis, Tennessee. The 19-show trek kicks off January 22 in Saginaw, Michigan. ... Slipknot have returned to producer Rick Rubin's Hollywood Hills studio to record a final three or four songs for the follow-up to their 2001 album, Iowa, the band posted on its Web site. The post added that singer Corey Taylor will be laying down vocals for at least the next couple weeks. The record is tentatively scheduled for summer. ...

Detroit rapper and onetime FOE (Friend of Eminem) Royce Da 5'9" is releasing a new studio album on February 24 called Death Is Certain. Production comes from Gang Starr's DJ Premier, who produced the album's first single, "Hip-Hop," as well as Carlos Broady, who once worked as one of P. Diddy's original "hitmen" producers. ... So-Called Chaos, Alanis Morissette's follow-up to 2002's Under Rug Swept, now carries an April 12 release date. The album's first single, "Everything," is expected to surface in early April. ...

The inaugural Lepcon, a Def Leppard fan convention, is set to take place May 15 at Las Vegas' Sahara Hotel and Casino. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Raven Drum Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by drummer Rick Allen that offers educational programs in American Indian arts. ... Rolling Stone magazine cofounder Jann S. Wenner will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year in the non-performer category. Wenner is among the Rock Hall's founders. ... Skid Row's drummer Phil Varone has left the band for "personal reasons," a post on the band's Web site said. The band will announce his replacement soon. And before the end of the month, the group will film a video for "Ghost," from its latest album, Thickskin. ...

• Jay-Z
• Queen Latifah
• Michael Jackson
• Wade Robson
• The Hives

Daniel Bedingfield (file)
Photo: Island

Pop singer Daniel Bedingfield was involved in a violent, single-vehicle auto accident in his native New Zealand on Friday. He suffered vertebrae damage in his neck and is expected to make a full recovery, according to his U.S. spokesperson. A passenger in his vehicle suffered only minor cuts.

The singer, best known for his hit single "Gotta Get Thru This," was driving an SUV on a road in the town of Whangarei, New Zealand, when it ran off the road and flipped over several times. Bedingfield and his friend had to be cut out of the vehicle, which was badly mangled.

"Right now, I feel OK and very grateful to be alive," Bedingfield said in a statement. "I don't remember much about what happened but I've seen pictures of the car and feel blessed to have got out of there at all."

Doctors will keep Bedingfield at the Whangarei Hospital for at least a week. Even though he suffered neck injuries, his motor skills are still intact. He will continue his rehabilitation, which is expected to take two to three months, at home.

"I'm sure I'll be getting bored soon, but I'm in the middle of writing the new album so when I feel up to it I'll start writing some more," he added in his statement.

• Daniel Bedingfield

Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, and Nelly announce 2003 Grammy nominations
Photo: MTV News

When nominations for the 45th annual Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, reactions ranged from sincere congratulations to "What were they thinking?" (Click here for the list of nominees.)

Few readers writing to MTVNews.com's You Tell Us forum had sour sentiments about demure Norah Jones, the jazz-influenced singer/pianist who's got a chance to sweep the four biggest categories — Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist (see "Eminem, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Norah Jones Nab Most Grammy Noms"). Jones is also among the eight artists who garnered five nominations. (Click for photos of this year's Grammy nominees.)

"I'm sooo happy for [Norah Jones]," wrote 18-year-old Lexi, from Seattle. "I know many people haven't heard her music, but those who have know how great it is. Big ups to the critics for giving this girl the credit she deserves."

Jones' Come Away With Me faces stiff competition from The Rising, Bruce Springsteen's return to form, and, to a lesser extent, The Eminem Show. Although the mainstream seems to have embraced the volatile rapper, with hardly a protest over his third major-label album or his fictionalized biopic "8 Mile," the Grammys might not be ready to bestow such a prestigious honor to a man who had a hit with a song that talks about killing the mother of his child and stuffing her in a trunk.

Then again, Eminem already has five golden gramophones in his trophy case (though none in the big four categories), and the Recording Academy did grant an Album of the Year Grammy to Steely Dan in 2001, for Two Against Nature, which featured the song "Cousin Dupree," about incest. But old guards like Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have always had Grammy odds in their favor, which is why Springsteen stands such a good shot. And even if The Eminem Show doesn't win for Album of the Year and "Without Me" doesn't lay claim to Record of the Year, Eminem is likely to make good on at least one of his other three nominations.

While Jones stands as the artist with the smallest presence at radio compared with fellow new-artist nominees R&B songbird Ashanti, singer/songwriter Michelle Branch, sensitive guy John Mayer and pop-rocker Avril Lavigne, most of you think the latter stands as her fiercest competition.

"I think Avril Lavigne definitely deserves Best New Artist," wrote 14-year-old Ashley of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. "She's worked so hard and accomplished so much this year."

"There is no doubt that Avril Lavigne should win Best New Artist," echoed 14-year-old Danielle, from Somerset, New Jersey. "She writes her own music, had three top 40 songs in 2002, sold over 4 million copies of her debut, Let Go, and hates Britney Spears. What more could you want in a Best New Artist?"

While statistics may garner gold records, they don't necessarily translate to a Grammy. Awards are (theoretically) doled out to those who demonstrate genuine artistry in their work. And that's Avril Lavigne, isn't it?

"Avril has no business being nominated for as much as she was," disagreed 19-year-old Andrea. "As far as music and creativity go, Britney is more creative — and you know that's a stretch, especially since Britney is nothing but manufactured bubble gum. Avril may have had something going with her and her ties but let's face it, MTV, that's all she has had."

After yesterday's announcement of the nominations, Lavigne has a lot more attached to her, namely a monumental mistake when she mispronounced David Bowie's last name. When reading the list of artists up for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, she mispronounced Bowie as "bow-wie" (rhymes with oh, wowee!). An unnerving hush immediately enveloped Madison Square Garden.

"Am I the only person who realizes what a poser Avril Lavigne is?" queried 22-year-old Kim, from Denver. "First of all, she botched the pronunciation of David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of our time. ... Does Avril know anything about music? ... My point is, although everyone seems to be touting Avril Lavigne as some new prodigy, the fact is that she is not a true musician or artist and is just as fake and untalented as Britney Spears."

And here we thought Avril was the anti-Britney.

While Mayer's the only guy among the gals in the Best New Artist pack, his fans warn not to count him out just because he's outnumbered.

"John Mayer deserves to win the Grammy for Best New Artist," declared 18-year-old Tiffany Johnson, from Austin, Texas. "He is just on a different level from the rest of the nominees. The guy is brilliant."

Nelly, who's up for Album of the Year, Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Album honors, among others, is feeling the brunt of haters. For the nearly 5 million copies of Nellyville sold, the St. Louis rapper seems to have just as many, if not more, detractors.

"I want to know what the Grammy folks see in Nelly," demanded 19-year-old Jason Curtis of Seattle. "Everyone is hypnotized by his so-called 'skills,' which are by no means good. As far as I'm concerned, Nelly doesn't deserve a Grammy."

It wasn't all trash talk directed at the St. Louis rapper, however. Many have their fingers crossed that the Band-Aid bearing MC will leave with even more gold than he came in with.

"I'm really anticipating seeing Nelly take home the Grammy for best album," wrote 14-year-old Linzi, from Sandusky, Michigan. "I mean, his music is totally hot, and I'm pretty sure that I don't know anyone who isn't into Nelly."

Linzi, meet 21-year-old James, from New Haven, Connecticut.

"It is clear once again that the awards honor what is popular, not what is good," James began. "Nelly has sunk so far down in the talent pool that he's left rapping about sneakers and some sort of heat wave that has apparently swept Nellyville. Talk about meaningless music. Seriously, if it's that hot in 'herre,' then drink a glass of water. Don't make a freakin' song about it."

Fellow hip-hopper Petey Pablo, up for Best Rap Album with Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, faced some harsh reactions, with fellow nominee Mystikal also catching some heat.

"I am very upset to see that Pete Pablo has been nominated for Best Rap Album," expressed 25-year-old Curtis, from Tallahassee, Florida. "Also, Mystikal's Tarantula album was very disappointing. How come someone like Trick Daddy or Cee-Lo never gets nominated? He is pure trash, and I understand why people like Jay-Z protest the Grammys. If we want to make it mainstream for all these old white people, let's nominate Will Smith. Even though his album sold probably 200 copies, he does not curse."

Such outrage over those who were nominated couldn't rival the furor over those who were left out: uber-producers the Neptunes and anyone from the neo-garage school, such as the Hives, the Vines, the Strokes or the White Stripes.

"How did Dr. Dre get nominated in the Producer of the Year category, while the Neptunes were ignored?" wondered Venni, 18, from Blacksburg, Virginia. "Dre didn't do anything in 2002. Every single song on the radio was produced by the Neptunes."

OK, Venni may be exaggerating a bit, though Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo are responsible for Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You," Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and Mystikal's "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against the Wall)," all of which are Grammy-nominated.

"I'm surprised the new 'the' bands didn't get major nods," typed an aghast CJ, 18, from Newmarket, New Hampshire. "I'm sad that the White Stripes were shafted, when overrated Avril Lavigne gets all the credit. Well, the Grammys are pretty lame either way."

If the nominations aroused such fervent feelings in these folks, they'd better be prepared for the shock of February 23. While some surprises can be expected with the nods, utter jaw-droppers like the over-the-hill Jethro Tull winning for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 1988 are unmatched.

Stay tuned and stay calm.

For a look back at previous big Grammy winners, red carpet photos and much more, visit our Grammy News Archive.

• Eminem
• Norah Jones
• Nelly
• Dixie Chicks
• Bruce Springsteen

• Daniel Bedingfield