E! Online - Some rock-solid news regarding the rock-heavy release from reigning American Idol champ David Cook: His debut album finally has a drop date.

E! Online - Lance Bass wouldn't mind dancing with a man on a reality competition show, but he doesn't think ABC's Dancing With the Stars is the right place for fancy same-sex footwork.

AP - When Ludacris' manager wanted to create buzz for his client's upcoming CD, he went directly to YouTube.com. But instead of releasing a flashy video for Ludacris' song "Let's Stay Together," Chaka Zulu just uploaded the track directly to the site with a just picture of the rapper as accompaniment.

AP - Ne-Yo, "Year of the Gentleman" (Def Jam)

AP - After 15 years without a new album in the U.S., Tom Jones will release a disc of almost entirely original material this fall.

AP - Prosecutors determined Tuesday that there was no criminal conduct involved in the March death of R&B singer Sean Levert, who was in jail when he became ill.

Reuters - In just a three-day sales window, hard rock band Metallica's first studio album since 2003 debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. pop chart with one of the biggest tallies of the year.

AP - O come, all ye Colbert faithful. Stephen Colbert will host his own Christmas special this year, Comedy Central announced Tuesday.

AP - Richard Wright, a founding member of Pink Floyd, died Monday. He was 65.

AP - How does Barack Obama lure wealthy donors to a big-money fundraiser in Hollywood? Bring in Barbra Streisand as the headline performer.

AP - Taproot, "Our Long Road Home" (Velvet Hammer Music)