Mix Tape: George Michael and The X Factor, George Clinton vs. Black Eyed Peas

-Will singer George Michael have a new career as a reality show judge? The former Wham singer was reportedly offered a deal by Simon Cowell to appear on the U.S. version of The X Factor.

-Aretha Franklin returned home earlier this week after undergoing surgery in Detroit. According to her cousin, the Queen of Soul -- who is rumored to have pancreatic cancer -- is hoping to be back "on stage, late spring or early summer."

-Train's "Soul Sister" was iTunes' best-selling single of the year. Katy Perry's "California Gurls" ended 2010 in second place while Eminem and Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie" placed third on the list.

-Funk legend George Clinton has accused the Black Eyed Peas of illegal sampling. He is suing the group for using "(Not Just) Knee Deep" in remixed versions of their song "Shut Up."

Gallery: Mix Tape: George Michael and The X Factor, George Clinton vs. Black Eyed Peas

Mix Tape: Stone Temple Pilots Postpone Dates, Wyclef Jean Drops From Race

-Twelve dates on Stone Temple Pilot’s reunion tour have been postponed. It’s not known whether Scott Weiland’s strange behavior at recent Houston show has anything to do with the rescheduling.

-Wyclef Jean has officially taken his name out of the race for the presidency of Haiti. “This was not an easy conclusion to reach; but it is one that was thoughtfully made,” he stated.

-Singer Bret Michaels is scheduled to go back into surgery early next year. That is when he’ll have an “operable and treatable” hole his heart—something unrelated to his recent medical issues—repaired.

-Borat actor Sacha Baron Cohen has been tapped to play Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic about the band Queen. Filming should begin next year. Surviving band members—Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon—all support the project.

Gallery: Mix Tape: Stone Temple Pilots Postpone Dates, Wyclef Jean Drops From Race

Eric Clapton Sidelined with Gallstones

Musician Jeff Beck will be stepping in for Eric Clapton later this week during festivities for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 64-year-old guitarist was forced to cancel his Madison Square Garden performance after undergoing surgery for gallstones.

Beck is just one of several musicians lined up for the two-day benefit event in New York. Stevie Wonder, Sting, Paul Simon and Crosby, Stills & Nash are amongst those scheduled for Thursday while Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, U2 and Metallica are on the slate for Friday.

Bruce Springsteen - who canceled an appearance in Kansas City yesterday after a death in his family - is also supposed to appear on Thursday.

Clapton is reportedly doing well and is recovering from his operation in England.

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Gallery: Eric Clapton Sidelined with Gallstones