Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.
Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley Co-Hosting CMA Awards for Fourth Time
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will be back together again in November. They’ve been picked to host the Country Music Association Awards for a fourth straight year. The 45th annual awards will be aired live Nov. 9 from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC. Paisley is the reigning CMA entertainer of the year. Paisley and Underwood have won 19 CMA awards between them. ( Associated Press)
The Black Eyed Peas Taking Extended Break?
The Black Eyed Peas are ready to take some time off: frontman Will.i.am posted on Twitter last week, “The @Bep will take a break after the beginning…just like we did from monkey business to the e.n.d…but it doesn’t mean we stop creating.” The group reportedly told a crowd in Staffordshire, U.K. earlier this week that the show marked the “last time we’re going to be in England for a long time.” ( The Huffington Post)
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Portishead Announces North American Tour Dates
Portishead has announced plans to tour North America for the first time in 13 years. After making their triumphant live return at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival on Oct. 1 and 2, the trip-hop group will play 12 dates in North America, beginning on Oct. 4 at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.
Yoko Ono Threatens John Lennon-Themed Pub with Lawsuit
Yoko Ono has reportedly threatened to file a lawsuit against Lennon’s Bar, a pub in Scotland dedicated to her late husband, John Lennon. A letter from the singer’s lawyers allegedly asks the owners of the bar to remove all memorabilia and change the bar’s name within 14 days. ( NME)
Morrissey Attacked by Dog in England
Morrissey was hospitalized with hand and arm injuries after being attacked by a dog in England. The former Smiths frontman has not postponed any upcoming shows due to the incident. ( Pitchfork)
(Reporting by Jason Lipshutz and Asssociated Press)