Chorus.fm — The first batch of Grammy performers have been announced (http://www.grammy.com/news/first-54th-grammy-performers-announced). We'll have an open thread this year where Drew (and probably other staff members) will be talking about this circle jerk. ... more info

Reuters — LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rapper Nicki Minaj will make her debut Grammy performance next month, joining Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and country singer Jason Aldean on the list of artists who will take to the stage on the recording industry's biggest night... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — Also named among the initial crop of performers were country star Jason Aldean, former "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, rapper Nicki Minaj and country-influenced pop star Taylor Swift more info

Topix — Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean are among the first performers announced for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards telecast. more info

Mjsbigblog — Grammy just announced their first wave of performers for the upcoming Grammy Awards show, and the slate includes American Idol alum, Kelly Clarkson! Also announced were her fellow Grammy nominees Jason Aldean, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj a... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — This year's Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, Calif., has sold out. The sixth-annual festival will feature Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride and dozens more. more info

Mjsbigblog — Kelly Clarkson will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. NBC 11:30/10:30c Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean, and Maroon 5 all have cuts on the 2012 Grammy Nominees album. Click this link to see the track list. more info

Guardian Music — Adele's 21 leads the charge as US album sales rise by 1.6% – with Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé in pursuitUS album sales are up for the first time since 2004. While the UK music market totters, 2011 saw an increase of 1.4% for album sales in America... more info

Detroit Free Press — 1. Adele, "21" 2. Taylor Swift, "Speak Now" 3. Lady Gaga, "Born This Way" 4. Jason Aldean, "My Kinda Party," below 5. Susan Boyle, "The Gift" 6. Lil Wayne, "Tha Carter IV" 7. Nicki Minaj, "Pink Friday" 8. Mumford & Sons, "Sigh No More" 9. Rihanna, "L... more info

USA Today Music — Jason Aldean will be honored Tuesday as a CMT Artist of the Year. He looks back on a busy 2011. more info