Franklin says Houston's mother raised her well (AP)

In this July 26, 2010 photo, performer Aretha Franklin looks out a window, in Philadelphia. Franklin says she believed Whitney Houston had overcome her demons and was primed for a comeback, which made learning of the troubled singer's death all the more of a shock. Interviewed on NBC's 'Today' show Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, Franklin said she was watching TV in her hotel room in Charlotte, N.C., when she learned of Houston's death. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP - Aretha Franklin says Cissy Houston raised her daughter Whitney Houston well — and that an interview where Franklin said parents need to make sure children "leave home prepared" was taken out of context.


Appeals court rules against Roger Miller's widow (AP)
AP - The widow of country music legend Roger Miller doesn't own the rights to some of his biggest hits, including "King of the Road," a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
Adele breaks Whitney Houston's chart record (Reuters)
Reuters - The late Whitney Houston was unable to oust Adele from the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, and the British singer's "21" replaced "The Bodyguard" as the longest running No. 1 album by a woman.
'X Factor' teenager Crow signs TV, record deal (AP)
AP - Rachel Crow was a tearful runner-up on "The X Factor," but she's a winner now.
Obama sings the blues with Jagger, B.B King (Reuters)
Reuters - Bill Clinton had his saxophone, but President Barack Obama can sing the blues.
Rihanna could draw criticism for songs with Brown (AP)

Performer Rihanna arrives for the Brit Awards 2012 at the O2 Arena in London, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Jonathan Short)AP - Rihanna is known for making bold statements, from her often sexually charged music to her tattoos to even the hue of her hair.


Adele turns tables on TV execs with finger gesture (Reuters)
Reuters - Singer Adele had the tabloid press up in arms on Wednesday and TV executives running for cover over a middle finger gesture after her moment in the sun at British pop's biggest awards was cut short for programming reasons.
Chieftains "Voice of Ages" among year's best country albums (Reuters)
Reuters - The Chieftains have arrived with one of the best country albums of the year - the country in question, of course, being just a bit east of the U.K., where Ireland's traditional music can sound awfully darned Appalachian, when it comes down to it.
Ukrainian party accused of racism in pop scandal (AP)
AP - A small Ukrainian nationalist party came under fire Wednesday after a high-profile member suggested a singer of African descent was a bad choice to represent the country in the Eurovision song contest.
Jason Crabb leads Dove Awards nominations with 8 (AP)
AP - Singer Jason Crabb has earned eight nominations for the Dove Awards, the gospel and Christian music show that will be held in Atlanta for the second year in a row.