Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.

Bruno Mars Added to MTV Video Music Awards
Bruno Mars is the latest artist to join the lineup of performers at the MTV Video Music Awards, following previously announced artists Chris Brown, Adele, Lil Wayne and Young the Giant. Meanwhile, Odd Future, Rick Ross and Selena Gomez are among the musical stars presenting at the Aug. 28 ceremony.

Kanye West Slips Onstage in Norway
"Watch The Throne"? More like "Watch Your Step"! Kanye West slipped onstage on Tuesday night while performing his hit "All of the Lights" in Norway. Check out the video below (via Buzzfeed):

Slash Confirms Mary J. Blige Collaboration
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has revealed that he is collaborating with R&B queen Mary J. Blige on a new track, possibly for her upcoming album, "My Life II: The Journey Continues." "Just finished a session w/Mike Clink engineering on a track w/Mary j Blige. Sounds killer!" he posted on Twitter. (@slash)

Ryan Adams Announces 'Ashes & Fire' Album
Singer/songwriter Ryan Adams will release a new full-length, "Ashes & Fire," on Oct. 11. The album features guest spots by Norah Jones and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench. According to a press release, Adams is planning a solo acoustic tour of the Pacific Northwest and California for the fall.

Former Deep Purple Keyboardist Suffering from Cancer
Jon Lord, a founding member of Deep Purple, has announced that he is suffering from cancer, although he did not specify what type of cancer or its severity. "I would like all my friends, followers, fans and fellow travelers to know that I am fighting cancer and will therefore be taking a break from performing while getting the treatment and cure," the 70-year-old musician wrote on his blog. ( Noisecreep)

Sigur Ros Post Mysterious 'INNI' Video
Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Ros have not released an album since 2008, but a mysterious new video posted the group's website hints that a return is imminent. The clip features performance footage as well as the word "INNI." (Sigur Ros Official Website)

(Reporting by Jason Lipshutz)