NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jim Belushi is heading to New Orleans this month to celebrate Mardi Gras and ride in the glitzy Orpheus parade founded in 1993 by Harry Connick Jr.

Country group Lonestar have denied reports former American Idol star Josh Gracin is to join the band but confirm they're almost ready to name a new frontman. Lonestar will soon be left without a frontman when singer Richie MacDonald follows through on his decision to quit at the end of the band's current tour in November.

In the name of charity, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke and the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation have partnered to auction off clothing and accessories worn by America's favorite Idol contestants and participants. The "Kimberley Locke & Idol Friends" online charity auction will begin Monday, May 21 at clothesoffourback.org.

Country superstar Trace Adkins kicked off his Honky Tonk Badonkadonk Tour over the weekend to a sold-out crowd in Burlington, Iowa. He continued to wow packed houses throughout the weekend with stops in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Waterloo, Iowa. This week, Adkins will make another sold-out performance when his tour rolls into Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, January 26.