Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
CBS is nearing a deal with John Mayer for a music-driven variety
show, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler told a meeting of
the Television Critics Association. No additional details were made
available.
Mayer previously made a cameo in a 2006 episode of the hit CBS
drama "CSI," and may also perform during the network's Grammy
telecast next month.
The artist, who in the past has done unannounced stand-up comedy
sets while away from the stage, has become a tabloid fixture in the
last year thanks to his relationship with actress Jennifer
Aniston.
In November, he wrote on his blog that "I'm working on the next CD,
which I'm sure you will immediately hate until you eventually love.
I'm basing out of L.A. because I'm working on a side project that
is extremely cool (I'll tell you about it soon)."
Mayer's last album, 2006's "Continuum," has sold 2.3 million copies
in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.