Letterman Pans Palin Memoir —in Advance

But officials haven't yet determined if singer drowned

(NEWSER) - A coroner's assistant confirms that Whitney Houston was in fact found dead in a hotel room bathtub, People reports. Houston's autopsy also found water in the singer's lungs, TMZ reports, but the medical examiner has not yet determined whether she died by drowning or was dead before she went under. But reports out this morning say that LA County coroner officials told Houston's family that the cause of her death was not drowning, due to the insufficient amount of water found in her lungs. They attributed her death to an apparent combination of Xanax, booze, and other prescription drugs—or so family sources tell TMZ . Toxicology results will take another four to six weeks. More»

Grammy Awards also go to Chris Brown, Bon Iver, and more

(NEWSER) - The Grammys got started with—what else?—a performance. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band did a rousing rendition of "We Take Care of Our Own" before host LL Cool J even made an appearance. The host brought up Whitney Houston's death first thing after thanking the band (click for more on that ). Then:

• Nope, it's still not time for an award: Bruno Mars takes the stage, then the first presenters appear—20 minutes into the ceremony. But Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt first perform a tribute to Etta James before presenting Best Pop Solo Performance to Adele for "Someone Like You."
• Next up: Another performance, this time the controversial first Grammys performance by Chris Brown since he beat Rihanna before the ceremony three years ago.

Grammy Awards remember Whitney Houston

(NEWSER) - Grammy Awards host LL Cool J brought up Whitney Houston 's death almost as soon as he took the stage tonight, and started the ceremony with a prayer for her before formally welcoming the audience. Then it was more Whitney, with LL Cool J presenting a video of the beloved diva performing "I Will Always Love You" at a previous Grammy Awards. "Whitney, we will always love you," he said. Toward the end of the evening, Jennifer Hudson echoed him: Performing "I Will Always Love You" as a tribute to Houston, she closed by singing the line, "Whitney, we love you." Click to watch the video . More»

"Part of Me" includes suspicious "diamond ring" lyric

(NEWSER) - Katy Perry debuted a new song at the Grammys tonight, and she may have also debuted a little message for her ex, Russell Brand. The song, "Part of Me," includes the lyrics, "Now look at me, I'm sparking/A firework, a dancing flame/You won't ever put me out again" and "So you can keep the diamond ring." People , and at least one of the magazine's readers, think the lyric just might be a shot at Brand. Click for more Grammys coverage . More»

Eyebrows raised on the red carpet

(NEWSER) - Well, it was no giant egg , but there was still one outfit getting particular attention on the Grammys red carpet tonight, E! reports. Nicki Minaj showed up clad head-to-toe in red Versace ... and accompanied by a Pope lookalike. Click through the gallery to take a look, or click for more Grammys coverage . More»