KELLY CLARKSON STICKS UP FOR TAYLOR SWIFT

The president of Taylor Swift’s record label came out in defense of his artist for what many people are calling the poor performance she gave at the GRAMMY Awards over the weekend – kind of. According to the New York Times, Scott Borchetta defended Swift, but did it by saying that she may not be the “best technical singer.” This apparently really angered Kelly Clarkson, because she wrote an open letter on her blog to Borchetta, saying that “every artist has a bad performance or two” and that he needs to realize that “sometimes things won’t go according to plan or work out and that’s okay.” Read what else Kelly has to say, including thoughts about Borchetta insulting American Idol, at www.IAmKelly.Wordpress.com.

A NEW MICHAEL FRANTI WEB SITE IS COMING

Michael Franti is working on updating his official Web site. In a post on www.MichaelFranti.com, it says that the revamped site will give you tons of cool new features, including the ability to interact with other fans of the singer-songwriter. Be sure to check out www.MichaelFranti.com to see when the new one is launched.

KATY PERRY’S VALENTINE’S DAY PLANS

What do you get your fiancé for Valentine’s Day? Well if you’re Katy Perry, apparently you think about getting Russell Brand a spanking new Bentley! British paper The Daily Star reports that a source says Perry “really thought about this” and has been talking to a dealership in Newport Beach, California “for weeks now.” The particular version of vehicle that she’s looking at is supposed to be the same make and model that the late Who drummer Keith Moon used to own.

SARA BAREILLES LIKES AMERICAN IDOL

Sara Bareilles didn’t need American Idol to help her to become a popular musician, but that doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy the show! The singer-songwriter took to her Twitter account to write that the hit program makes her “laugh and cry all at once.” See what else the “Love Song” singer has to say at www.Twitter.com/SaraBareilles.

WEEZER DONATE UNRELEASED SONG TO CANCER CHARITY

Weezer have given the cancer charity Web site www.RightTrackTunes.org a previously unreleased song of theirs called “The Rat Race.” Fans who head to the Web site can buy the song and part of the money spent goes to cancer research and prevention. Ween and The Donnas have also donated music. Head to www.RightTrackTunes.org to buy the tunes and to do some good.

· DIRECT QUOTE: Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo told RollingStone.com why they wanted to donate a song to the charity saying, “We feel this is an extremely worthy and urgent cause and are all too happy to help out.”

3OH!3 & COBRA STARSHIP ANNOUNCE TOO FAST FOR LOVE TOUR

3OH!3 and Cobra Starship have announced a co-headlining trek called the Too Fast For Love Tour, which will be presented by MTV. The jaunt will take off in Milwaukee on April 28th and then travel through North America before in Philadelphia on June 11th. The outing will also feature Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes performing his first-ever solo live performances, as well as a set from I Fight Dragons. A select number of tour dates will be part of mtvU’s second annual Movies & Music Festival, which features the hottest performers and most buzzed about movies leading up to the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. Additionally, the week before the Movie Awards, 3OH!3 and Cobra Starship will host a movie-award themed week during MTV’s morning music program, AMTV, and explosive performances from the festival will be featured on MTV.

· TICKET INFORMATION: Presale tickets will be available beginning Thursday through Cobra Starship’s official fan club and 3OH!3’s fan pages. All remaining tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Saturday, February 13th.

· Check out: CobraStarship and www.3Oh3Music.com for more information.

DYLAN SONG INSPIRES CHILDREN’S BOOK

“Man Gave Names to All the Animals,” a song off Bob Dylan’s 1979 album Slow Train Coming, has inspired a children’s book. According to www.TwentyFourBit.com, the book, also called Man Gave Names to All the Animals, will boast drawings inspired by Dylan’s lyrics and include a CD that features the song. Artist Jim Arnoksy, who is working on the book, said Dylan has given his blessing to the project. No word yet on when the book will come out.