Latest News: Mary J. to "Breakthrough," Katharine McPhee, Scissor Sisters and More

MARY J. BLIGE will take to the road this summer in support of her latest album, The Breakthrough, which has sold more than two million copies since its December release. The tour launches July 14th in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and stops in twenty-nine cities before closing in Concord, California, on September 8th. Prior to the outing, Blige has scheduled five European performances, set to begin July 11th in Paris. The R&B star will also lend her talents to the B-96 Summer Bash in Chicago on June 24th, with CHRIS BROWN, NE-Y0, SEAN PAUL and PINK, and to the Essence Music Festival in Houston on July 1st.

"Idol" Runner-Up Katharine Gets a Deal

KATHARINE McPHEE, this year's near-Idol, hasn't actually lost. The twenty-two-year-old Los Angeles native has signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings Limited, the same label winner TAYLOR HICKS recently inked a deal with. McPhee's first single, which will include "Over the Rainbow" and "My Destiny," is scheduled for release June 27th. In the meantime, McPhee will join crossover opera tenor ANDREA BOCELLI for three California concerts this weekend. Fans can also get a taste of what's to come on American Idol Season Five: Encores, the compilation which includes McPhee's version of Aretha Franklin's "Think" . . . In other Idol news, former Season Five contestant CHRIS DAUGHTRY told hometown fans Saturday that he declined an offer to take over lead vocals in the alternative rock band FUEL. Daughtry said he plans to go solo and will share more about his plans after the American Idols Live 2006 tour wraps up in a few months.

Scissor Sisters, Tapes 'N Tapes Lead Siren Fest

SCISSOR SISTERS, SHE WANTS REVENGE, STARS, ART BRUT, TAPES 'N TAPES, and the STILLS are among the performers for the 6th Annual Village Voice Siren Music Festival, taking place at New York's Coney Island July 15th. The all-day festival, which is scheduled to run from noon to 9:00 p.m., is free and open to fans of all ages. Other artists set to appear include the CRIBS, CELEBRATION and DIRTY ON PURPOSE, with more to be announced. For the past three years, the Siren Fest has attracted more than 100,000 fans, showcasing big-name acts alongside local bands and DJs. More information is available at villagevoice.com/siren.

Sting, Matisyahu to Collaborate Live in Tel Aviv

Former POLICE frontman STING will visit Israel for the first time in twelve years Thursday to perform at Tel Aviv's Ramat Gan Stadium. The veteran rocker will be accompanied by Hasidic reggae star MATISYAHU, who will assume opening duties. The Broken Music Tour will then continue for thirty-one dates, including two free performances in Italy, in more than twenty-five countries before wrapping up in Lithuania on July 30th.

Former Manager Sues Ashanti

ASHANTI's former manager, Linda Berk, is suing the singer for millions of dollars over a breach of contract dispute that dates back to 2003. Berk, who claims she was crucial in the development of the R&B star's career, began co-managing alongside Ashanti's mother in 1999, and helped guide Ashanti's career for four years before being let go in 2003. A spokesperson for Ashanti maintains that the contract simply expired and was not renewed.

MmmMarriage for Youngest Hanson

ZAC HANSON, 20, the youngest brother in HANSON married his girlfriend of five years, Kate Tucker, 22, on June 3rd in Atlanta. The trio of siblings -- Zac, TAYLOR (23) and ISAAC (25) -- rose to fame with their catchy 1997 summer hit "MMM Bop" and toured last fall behind their The Best of Hanson: Live and Electric, released on their own 3CG independent label. Zac is the second Hanson to wed. His older brother Taylor married wife Natalie and has two kids: three-year-old JORDAN EZRA and one-year-old Penelope Anne.

Mason Jennings, Rainer Maria Play Sirius Live

Sirius Satellite Radio will play host to a number of live performances this month, including songs from MARK KNOPFLER and EMMYLOU HARRIS, singer-songwriter MASON JENNINGS, the CHARLATANS, and Wisconsin indie-rock trio RAINER MARIA. Knopfler and Harris will appear on World Cafe on June 12th, with Jennings following on June 13th and the Charlatans visiting the program June 15th. Rainer Maria will be featured on the Left of Center channel June 14th at 1 p.m.