Blige Leads Grammy Nominations

Mary J. Blige was the clear leader when the Grammy Awards Nominations were announced yesterday.

Blige was recognized with eight nominations for her multi-platinum album The Breakthrough. Other multiple nominees include James Blunt, John Mayer and Prince. Pop icons Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera also received multiple nods for their albums FutureSex/LoveSounds and Back to Basics, respectively. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

National Finals Rodeo

The National Finals Rodeo is building excitement with the last few days of the competition approaching.

The final performance round of the rodeo will take place on Saturday, December 9 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The World Champions Award Ceremony will follow immediately after the day's contest. The next major rodeo roundups in the U.S. will be the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in January, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February and the Houston Rodeo in March.

Short Takes on Stewart

One of comedy's leading interviewers will be the interviewee tonight in the Broadway production of Fame Becomes Me.

Martin Short's alter ego, Jiminy Glick, will question guest Jon Stewart in the evening performance of Fame Becomes Me on December 6. The show routinely features an interview segment where actual celebrities guest star in the role on interviewee. Previous guests appearances have been made by stars including Jerry Seinfeld, Bette Midler, Larry King, Steve Martin and Dennis Miller among many others.

New Gwen Tour

Gwen Stefani is back and giving the fans something to cheer about with a new album and a new tour planned for early 2007.

The trendy singer's latest album, The Sweet Escape, hits stores across the continent today and will be followed up with a massive world tour set to launch its 40-city North American leg in April. Tour dates for Asia, South America, Australia and Europe will be announced in the near future. Stefani's new album features collaborations with artists including Pharrell, Akon and her No Doubt band mate Tony Kanal.

NHL Update

Hockey season is in full swing and the NHL's best teams are beginning to establish their lead in the standings.

The Anaheim Ducks are off to the best start in franchise history leading the NHL rankings with 46 points. The Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks are close behind with 42 and 40 points respectively. The Northwest Division is currently in the tightest race of the league with only a two-point difference between division leaders, the Edmonton Oilers, and last place in the division, the Colorado Avalanche.