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! MUSIC !

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ARTIST PLAYS PRANK ON JUSTIN BIEBER FANS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some Justin Bieber fans got less than they bargained for when they bought what they thought was the singer's CD "Believe." Another music artist planted 5,000 copies of his own album — disguised in packaging made up to look like Bieber's latest CD. The prank was pulled by Paz Dylan — who put the fakes in Los Angeles area retailers like Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart on April Fools Day. The CDs look just like Bieber's album — but inside, buyers found Paz's disc instead. A spokeswoman for Best Buy says the store will take care of those who got the bogus CDs. And Wal-Mart says it those who got the doctored CDs can exchange them for Bieber's or get a refund. No immediate response from the Bieber camp.

WILLIE NELSON'S ARMADILLO DISAPPEARS AGAIN

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — It was hard to believe the first time it happened. But now it's happened again. A stuffed armadillo that's an on-stage mascot for Willie Nelson has been swiped a second time. The most recent kidnapping of "Ol' Dillo" happened after a show Monday night at a hotel near Las Vegas. Someone lifted the stuffed beast while Nelson did a meet-and-greet with audience members. The critter was returned the following day — after Nelson's crew asked the hotel to check surveillance footage to help find the culprit. Ol' Dillo was swiped after a show in New York State last fall. The armadillo was returned after that caper, too.

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Sound:

<<CUT *022 (04/03/14)>> 00:37 "''

Oscar Wells Gabriel

An on-stage mascot for Willie Nelson has survived another kidnapping. AP Music Correspondent Oscar Wells Gabriel has the story. ((wrap opens with music))

<<CUT *023 (04/03/14)>> 00:52 "''

Sound of Willie Nelson

Here's a bit of Willie Nelson performing "On The Road Again." His on-stage mascot, a stuffed armadillo, has again been swiped while on tour.

ASHANTI'S NEW MUSIC THRIVES, DESPITE INDIE LABEL, STALKING MEMORIES

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ashanti says sure, it's crazy to see someone go to jail for stalking you. But she says it hasn't scarred — or scared — her. She says while she does have added security — sometimes armed guards — she doesn't let it bother her. She says the love she gets from people overshadows the craziness from the guy who stalked her and her mother. Meanwhile, Ashanti's new music is being followed — by her fans. Her new single "I Got It" has charted strongly, even though it was released on her own indie label. She says the single — performed with rapper Rick Ross — "is a very confident and sexy record," without being, as she put it, "too cocky."

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Sound:

<<CUT *028 (04/03/14)>> 00:37 "''

Oscar Wells Gabriel

A popular R&B star is out with fresh music and old emotional scars from a well-publicized stalking. AP Music Correspondent Oscar Wells Gabriel has the story. ((Wrap opens with music))

<<CUT *029 (04/03/14)>> 00:09 "originally from Chicago"

Ashanti

Ashanti says the fact that she has problems with a stalker means she has to take precautions on the road.

<<CUT *030 (04/03/14)>> 00:09 "to be careful"

Ashanti

Ashanti says she isn't obsessed with the fact that someone stalked her and her mom.

<<CUT *031 (04/03/14)>> 00:17 "for so long"

Ashanti

Ashanti says she's impressed that her new single has done well, despite being an independent release. ((note length of cut))

<<CUT *032 (04/03/14)>> 00:12 "nice, sexy way"

Ashanti

Ashanti says her new single, "I Got It" isn't boasting about sexuality, but does brag just a little.

<<CUT *033 (04/03/14)>> 00:25 "''

Sound of Ashanti performing

Here's some of Ashanti performing her new single "I Got It" with rapper Rick Ross.

FLEA WRITING A MEMOIR

NEW YORK (AP) — Flea says he sees books as "sacred" and while he grew up, he found those he read helped shape his identity. Now the bass player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers is taking steps that may shape someone else's life — by writing his memoir. No title or release date for the book, which is being done under a deal with Grand Central Publishing. The company says Flea will offer a look at what it calls his "intense and dynamic life." Flea is 51.

DARIUS RUCKER TO DO ANTHEM AT NCAA TITLE GAME

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Darius Rucker and Chris Daughtry will need to get their game voices on. They both will be part of the hoops hoopla surrounding the NCAA Final Four. Rucker will sing the national anthem before Monday night's championship game. And Daughtry will perform before the Saturday's games that will determine who will compete for the national men's college basketball title.

SELENA GOMEZ TRESPASSER SENTENCED TO JAIL

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The guy caught trespassing at Selena Gomez's place over the weekend has been sent off to jail — and told to stay away from the singer once he's out. Che Cruz was sentenced to 45 days in jail after admitting his crime at a court hearing yesterday in Los Angeles — and he was sentenced right afterward. Cruz was arrested Sunday in Gomez's guesthouse. On top of his jail term, Cruz is getting three years of probation — and has been ordered to stay away from Gomez and her home in Calabasas (cal-uh-BASS'-us), California.

''MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS" DOCUMENTARY FOCUSES ON THE NATIONAL

UNDATED (AP) — There's a lot to be said for being a rock star: the glamor, the fame, the adoring fans. What if you're that guy's brother? That's the point of the new documentary "Mistaken For Strangers," shot by Tom Berninger, brother of singer Matt Berninger of The National. Matt agrees to let Tom be a roadie for the band, and Tom filmed his experience -- at least as long as he kept the job. Tom is a slacker and struggles to figure out why Matt is the successful one and he isn't. The Associated Press' review of the film notes you will not learn much about The National but you will learn something about family. The film is in theaters in limited release and available on demand and on iTunes.

''AMERICAN IDOL" CONTESTANTS SING WHAT THEY SANG BEFORE

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The "American Idol" contestants didn't have to learn anything new to compete on this week's show. They sang songs they sang for their auditions. The judges had mostly positive reviews. Keith Urban called Caleb Johnson "a rock and roll viking" after singing "Chain of Fools." Harry Connick Junior told CJ Harris he could tell he's been taking their advice, and he advised Sam Woolf to smile at someone screaming for him. Jennifer Lopez said Malaya (mih-LY'-ah) Watson is blossoming into a star, and she thought Dexter Roberts brought out nuances in his voice. Jena (JEE'-nah) Irene did a stripped-down version of "Rolling in the Deep," which Urban said was a bold move. The judges praised Jessica Meuse (MYOOS) and Alex Preston for doing their original songs.

SOUND:

<<CUT *001 (04/03/14)>> 00:26 "''

Jena Irene, performing "Rolling in the Deep"

Jena Irene, performing "Rolling in the Deep." COURTESY: Fox ((mandatory on-air credit))

<<CUT *002 (04/03/14)>> 00:12 "specifically to you"

Jennifer Lopez

J-Lo tells Jena Irene she has the talent to win it all. COURTESY: Fox ((mandatory on-air credit))

<<CUT *003 (04/03/14)>> 00:29 "''

Caleb Johnson, performing "Chain of Fools"

Caleb Johnson, performing "Chain of Fools." COURTESY: Fox ((mandatory on-air credit))

<<CUT *004 (04/03/14)>> 00:11 "Viking, thank you (cheers)"

Keith Urban and Caleb Johnson

The judges love Caleb's take on an Aretha Franklin classic. COURTESY: Fox ((mandatory on-air credit))

RASCAL FLATTS LET IT ALL HANG OUT RECORDING NEW ALBUM

LONDON (AP) — Rascal Flatts recorded their latest album at bassist Jay DeMarcus' house, which made for a comfortable experience. Sometimes, it was too comfortable. Guitarist Joe Don Rooney says, "Seeing Jay scantily clad a lot of times was very inspiring." DeMarcus jokes he has "a lucky thong," and Rooney adds, "And a see-through robe!" Singer Gary LeVox (leh-VOH') says seeing that can make it hard to sing ballads. Their album, "Rewind," comes out May 13.

SOUND:

<<CUT *024 (04/03/14)>> 00:10 "up with this"

Jay DeMarcus, bassist, Joe Don Rooney, guitarist, and Gary LeVox (leh-VOH'), singer, Rascal Flatts

Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts say the new album and the new single have the same name.

<<CUT *025 (04/03/14)>> 00:11 "was very inspiring"

Gary LeVox (leh-VOH'), singer, and Joe Don Rooney, guitarist, Rascal Flatts

Singer Gary LeVox and guitarist Joe Don Rooney say bassist Jay DeMarcus created a different recording experience for them on "Rewind."

<<CUT *026 (04/03/14)>> 00:17 "it's tough sometimes"

Jay DeMarcus, bassist, Joe Don Rooney, guitarist, and Gary LeVox (leh-VOH'), singer, Rascal Flatts

Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts say recording at DeMarcus' house made for an interesting experience. ((note length of cut))

<<CUT *027 (04/03/14)>> 00:12 "the lucky thong (laughs)"

Jay DeMarcus, bassist, and Gary LeVox (leh-VOH'), singer, Rascal Flatts

Bassist Jay DeMarcus and singer Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts say they're somewhat democratic about recording.

MILEY CYRUS MOURNS LOSS OF DOG

UNDATED (AP) — You'll have to forgive Miley Cyrus if she's not up to her usual antics. Her dog died. Cyrus writes on her Facebook page her Alaskan Klee Kai named Floyd died, but she doesn't say how. She says calls it "unbearable" and says, "I know I don't mean it but I wish he would've taken me with him." She got him as a puppy in 2011 and he even appeared in her "We Can't Stop" video. Cyrus has had bad luck with dogs. Her Yorkshire terrier, Lila, was killed in December 2012. Cyrus has two other dogs.

REGINA SPEKTOR HAS A BOY

UNDATED (AP) — Regina Spektor confirms she's had her baby but she's keeping the details to herself. Spektor wrote on her Facebook page she and songwriter Jack Dishel are happily hanging out with their son and all is going great. She says they're private and they won't post any pictures or updates, but they assure people "he's super cute!" They don't say when the baby was born or even what his name is, only referring to him as "lil dude."

KATY PERRY AND KACEY MUSGRAVES GET TOGETHER FOR "CROSSROADS"

NASHVILLE (AP) — Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves will team up for "CMT Crossroads" and they will keep the collaboration going. They will tape the episode in Los Angeles and then embark on a tour this summer. Perry says from the first time she heard Musgraves' song "Merry Go Round," she knew they were "cut from the same songwriter's cloth." Musgraves says Perry has been "an amazing light and friend" to her. The episode will run June 13 on CMT, with additional airings on VH1, MTV, MTV Hits and Palladia.

NO BAIL FOR NEPHEW ACCUSED OF SHOOTING HIP-HOP ARTIST

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — The family member charged with shooting hip-hop artist Benzino has been denied bail. Authorities in Massachusetts have ordered Gai Scott to remain in custody. Scott has pleaded not guilty to armed assault with intent to murder. Authorities say Scott shot Benzino on Saturday as the reality TV star rolled up on his mother's funeral procession. He was hit, but his injuries are non-life-threatening. A lawyer for Scott says his client fired in self-defense.

by Margie Szaroleta and Oscar Wells Gabriel II

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