"American Idol" Hits Houston
There are people who try out for "American Idol" who obviously don't hear how bad they are. Then there's the guy who was born without ears. The parents of Ramiro Garcia of Houston thought he'd be deaf and mute, but he had his ears rebuilt through multiple surgeries. He was also good enough to earn a golden ticket to Hollywood. Kristine Osorio of Amarillo, Texas, took a gamble for "Idol." Instead of paying her divorce lawyer, she bought a plane ticket to audition. She made it. The teenage girl deer hunter made it, but not the guy with the blue tongue who was threatening revolution with his singing. Fifty-five tickets were given out in Houston. The next stop is Portland, Oregon.

Abba Will Release "New" Song
ABBA are releasing a new song that's actually an old song. They will release a deluxe edition of their 1981 album, "The Visitors," on April 23. It will include a previously unreleased song called "From A Twinkling Star To A Passing Angel." ABBA have not released a new song in 18 years, when they put unreleased tracks on their "Thank You For The Music" boxed set.

Reg Presley Of The Troggs Has Lung Cancer
Singer Reg Presley of The Troggs acknowledges he has lung cancer. Presley writes on the band's website he learned of it after becoming sick at a concert in Germany late last year. Presley says he is receiving chemotherapy and is "at the moment not feeling too bad." Presley, who's 70, says his illness means he must retire. The Troggs are probably best known for their songs "Wild Thing" and "Love Is All Around."

Artists Unite To Cover Bob Dylan For Amnesty International
Tom Morello says he wanted to challenge himself when covering Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie McTell" for a benefit album for Amnesty International. He wanted to be out of his element so he recorded the guitar solo left-handed. Joe Perry remakes "Man of Peace," and he says Dylan's songs are not just iconic, but so are his performances. Ziggy Marley remade "Blowin' In The Wind," and he says his mindset was to keep it simple and respectful. The album "Chimes of Freedom" is out this week. It also contains remakes of Dylan songs by Miley Cyrus, Pete Seeger, Pete Townshend, Airborne Toxic Event, Elvis Costello, Queens of the Stone Age and many more.

Grace Potter, Kelly Clarkson Get ACM Award Nominations
Grace Potter and Kelly Clarkson are infiltrating the Academy of Country Music Awards. Potter has three nominations for her duet of "You and Tequila" with Kenny Chesney. Chesney leads the nominations with 9. Clarkson is nominated for her duet with Jason Aldean, "Don't You Wanna Stay." The ACM Awards will be April 1 in Las Vegas.

Lady Gaga's Parents Open New York Restaurant
Lady Gaga's parents are opening a restaurant in New York. The New York Times reports Joseph and Cynthia Germanotta will open Joanne Trattoria on Wednesday. It combines Italian and Southern cooking, with entrees ranging around $25. Joseph Germanotta says they don't plan on capitalizing on their daughter's fame, and visitors who come there expecting to see Grammys and photos will be disappointed.

Auction Pulls Jacket After Marky Ramone Questions Its Authenticity
A black jacket that belonged to Marky Ramone of The Ramones has been pulled from an auction because Ramone questions whether it was ever his. The jacket is signed "Marky Ramone" on the back in gold ink, and bidding through RRAuction had reached $3,100. RRAuction vice president Bobby Livingston says the current owner bought it at a 2001 Ramones auction. Johnny Ramone had told the collector several times he had taken the jacket back from Marky when Marky was fired in 1983, like a soldier having to return his uniform. Marky is in Italy, and his spokesman simply says, "Jacket is not his. Period."

America Will Get Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The star for the group America will be unveiled Monday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. John Stamos and Billy Bob Thornton will be guest speakers at the ceremony.

Rihanna Will Be Part Of Fashion Design Reality Show
Rihanna is getting complete unknown designers to dress her. She will be part of a British reality show in which fashion newcomers will compete to create stage clothes for musicians and celebrities. The final task will be to dress Rihanna for her London performance July 8. Rihanna will also be the show's executive producer.

Hot Chelle Rae, Pitbull Will Play Cartoon Network Hall Of Game Awards
Hot Chelle Rae and Pitbull will be the entertainment for the Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards. It honors sports stars and sports moments. Shaquille O'Neal will host. The awards will air February 20.