DAVID COOK IS HEADING TO ETHIOPIA FOR IDOL

As part of Idol Gives Back, former champion David Cook is heading to Ethiopia to meet with some members of the United Nations. The “Light On” singer will be learning about the work that the U-N is doing to help empower and educate adolescent girls in the African country. Learn more, and see a video of David explaining what he’s doing in more detail, at www.DavidCookOfficial.com.

O.A.R. TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SUMMER

O.A.R. will be heading out on the road this summer. According to a press release, the ever-touring band will kick off their latest trek on July 8th in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will wrap up on August 15th in Alpharetta, Georgia. The group is currently in the studio working on their forthcoming seventh studio album. Learn more about the tour at www.OfARevolution.com.

STING, ELTON, GAGA TO PERFORM TOGETHER

Sting has called in some heavy hitters to help him out at his annual Rainforest Fund benefit. Reuters reports that at the 21st edition of the event, Sting, Elton John, Lady Gaga and Dame Shirley Bassey all plan to perform a rendition of “Hey Big Spender” together. The benefit, which also promises additional surprise guests, takes place on May 13th at New York’s Carnegie Hall and you can learn more at www.RainforestFoundationFund.org.

PREVIEW ROB THOMAS’ NEW EP

Rob Thomas’s new Someday EP will be available online on Tuesday, but in the meantime, you can hear a few of the tunes before it comes out. The matchbox twenty frontman and Yahoo Music are making that possible, so head to www.New.Music.Yahoo.com to start listening now.

JAY SEAN GAVE UP MEDICINE FOR MUSIC

Jay Sean recently sat down with USA Today to talk about his quick rise to fame. The “Down” singer told the paper that he was actually getting ready to pursue a career in medicine before he got a record deal. When asked if he would ever return to school to become a doctor, Jay laughed and said, “Hell no. I've seen the world now. I can't imagine going back and cracking books with a bunch of 18-year-olds.” Jay Sean’s album All or Nothing is in stores now.

SING ON STAGE WITH INGRID MICHAELSON!

Ever dream of performing onstage with Ingrid Michaelson? Well that dream can now become a reality. The singer-songwriter wants you to send in a video of yourself singing her latest single “Everybody,” and if she likes it, you will get the opportunity to join Ingrid at one of her shows on tour and perform the tune with her on stage. Videos must be submitted by Monday, and Ingrid posted a vid of her explaining all the rules on her official Web site. Head to www.IngirdMichaelson.com now to check it out.

BEP GO GREEN ON TOUR

The Black Eyed Peas have teamed up with Rethink, Green For All, and the League of Conservation Voters to help make their huge 2010 The E.N.D. Tour green. The trek features a unique recycling initiative that focuses on producing sustainable fabric from plastic bottles. The Peas’ will.i.am said: “From creating new sustainable products out of recycled bottles to capping harmful global warming pollution, the actions and policies that protect the planet for future generations are the same as those that create new jobs and economic opportunities.”

TIDBIT: For more check out www.RethinkFabrics.com, www.BlackEyedPeas.GreenForAll.org/Splash and text GREENFORALL to 41411 to get a message from Taboo.

MICHAEL FRANTI AT HANGOUT FESTIVAL

Michael Franti just announced that he will be a part of this year’s Hangout Festival. It takes place from May 14th through the 16th in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and will also feature Ben Harper and Relentless7, The Black Crowes and others. Learn more at www.HangoutMusicFest.com.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE FOR KATY AND RUSSELL?

Is there trouble in paradise for Katy Perry and Russell Brand? According to British paper the Daily Mail there very well might be. A source said that “Russell adores Katy, but he's not sure he's capable of being tied down” and that “everyone who knows him isn't really that surprised.”

ORIANTHI’S SIGNITURE PRS GUITAR

Orianthi’s Paul Reed Smith signature guitar will be released in June. The glittery red guitar features an “O” on the 12th fret and the guitarist picked out her specific neck shape for the instrument. The guitar will hit stores in June.

PHOTO: Orianthi posted this picture on her Twitter page: http://twitpic.com/1aniz9.

· VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To0R8jYMHOI.

AMERICAN IDIOT MOVIE “DEFINITELY IN THE WORKS”

There are more details on Green Day’s American Idiot musical coming to the big screen. Michael Mayer, the director of the play, told Rolling Stone that something is definitely in the works. He said they want to deal with the opening of the Broadway show next month first before delving into the film project.