AP - Veteran opera director Wolfgang Wagner welcomed guests to his last Bayreuth festival Friday, walking on the arm of his youngest daughter — a leading contender to replace him after a 57-year reign and a prolonged struggle over his successor.

Reuters - Vivendi's Universal Music has signed an exclusive, long-term worldwide recording agreement with The Rolling Stones, in a deal that will be a blow to the band's previous record company EMI.

AP - The Rolling Stones, the world's top-earning music act last year, have signed a long-term, exclusive worldwide contract with Vivendi SA's Universal Music, dealing a major blow to the group's former recording company, EMI Group PLC.

E! Online - The third time was apparently the charm for Pete Doherty. At least in terms of punctuality.

E! Online - Has Selena Gomez been writing songs about her rumored boyfriend Nick Jonas?

E! Online - DMX's apparently never one to pass up a promotional opportunity.

E! Online - Rihanna could be doing some summer lovin' with Adam Levine.

E! Online - Sheryl Crow and Fleetwood Mac have stopped thinking about a shared tomorrow.

E! Online - A couple of former Pumpkins are ripe for courting.

AP - When an R&B artist decides to put out a gospel album, some will sit in judgment and question the project's sincerity.

AP - Sheryl Crow is putting the "Rumours" to rest: She's not making a record with or joining Fleetwood Mac — not anytime soon at least.

Reuters - A musical publishing company that owns the rights to the Rolling Stones' song "Play With Fire" sued U.S. rapper Lil Wayne on Thursday, saying he released an altered version of the song without permission.

AP - DMX rapped for reporters outside a Phoenix courtroom Thursday after pleading not guilty to felony charges of theft and identity theft.

AP - MTV is staking its brand on a lesser-known one: Russell Brand.

Reuters - Two former members of the Smashing Pumpkins sued Virgin Records on Thursday, saying the label shut them out of profits after signing a deal with the rock band's frontman Billy Corgan.