Twitter is expanding, with the imminent launch of a music service.

The Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has appeared at a legislative hearing in Hawaii on a bill that bears his name and would limit people’s freedom to take photos and videos of celebrities.

Mitt Romney has already lifted one American out of poverty. Eric Hartsburg, from Indiana, recently used eBay to sell "tattooing rights" to his face. A wealthy Republican paid $15,000 (£9,300) for Mr Romney's campaign logo to be inked on his right temple. "I don't mind," the (Romney-supporting) Mr Hartsburg told reporters. "It's something I believe in." Let's hope he feels the same way in 20 years.

If Randy Jackson yells "Yo Dawg!" during the next season of "American Idol," he could be talking to Snoop Dogg, if the rapper has his way.

The low-down on today's newsworthy names

Mariah Carey will join "American Idol" as a judge next season, Fox has announced, bringing her star power to the show that remains a ratings leader but has seen its viewership and pop culture status diminish.

Brian May thinks Adam Lambert's 'a keeper', and the audience agrees

Rocker Steven Tyler on has bowed out of his job as a judge on top-rated television singing contest "American Idol" - the US equivalent of the X Factor -, saying he wants to dedicate himself to his band, Aerosmith.

Christian singer Carrie Underwood risks wrath of the faithful with backing for equal rights for homosexuals

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are joining the judging panel on the American The X Factor this autumn, as part of Fox's effort to boost its underperforming music competition shows.

Latin pop singer Marc Anthony has filed for divorce from singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, ending their seven-year marriage.

Steven Spielberg's upcoming NBC TV venture, Smash, suggests a whole new future for the story-within-a-story device. Due to air in the UK on Sky Atlantic later this year and starring Anjelica Houston, Debra Messing, and Katharine McPhee, this comedy drama, which premieres in the US on 6 February, presents the backstage politics behind the production of, and the drama of the production process of, a fictional Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe.

Gordon Brown is on a restless search for new ways to make himself useful and save the world, but his latest scheme is not looking like a winner.