Maxim apologizes for bogus music review

New York – Maxim magazine has apologized for publishing a negative review of the Black Crowes’ new album by a writer who hadn’t listened to the whole CD.

The review in Maxim’s March issue gives the Crowes’ “Warpaint” a rating of two-and-a-half stars out of five. The band posted an exasperated statement on its Web site last week, saying the Maxim writer hadn’t heard the entire album because advance copies were not available. The Crowes’ manager, Pete Angelus, said the magazine explained that its review was an “educated guess.”

Maxim editorial director James Kaminsky responded Tuesday with this statement: “It is Maxim’s editorial policy to assign star ratings only to those albums that have been heard in their entirety. Unfortunately, that policy was not followed in the March 2008 issue of our magazine and we apologize to our readers.”

“Warpaint,” the Black Crowes’ first album in seven years, is set for release March 4.

Cyruses to host the CMT Music Awards

Nashville, Tenn. – Billy Ray Cyrus and daughter Miley will host and perform at the 2008 CMT Music Awards.

The seventh annual awards show will air live April 14 on CMT from Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Toby Keith will also be among the performers.

“Miley and I are so excited to be hosting the CMT Music Awards,” Cyrus said Tuesday. “We know it will be a fun-filled night with a lot of great music performances.”

Cyrus, 46, made it big on the country and pop charts in 1992 with his hit “Achy Breaky Heart.” These days, he plays Miley’s father on the 15-year-old actress-singer’s “Hannah Montana” TV show.

Madonna, Mellencamp going into Hall of Fame

New York – Justin Timberlake will induct Madonna into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The “Sexyback” singer has been working with the Material Mom on her upcoming album, expected to be released this year.

Madonna will be among those honored March 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Other inductees include Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp, The Dave Clark Five, The Ventures and Little Walter.

Tom Hanks will induct The Dave Clark Five, the ’60s British pop band behind the hit “Glad All Over.” Billy Joel will pay tribute to Mellencamp, and Lou Reed will honor Cohen.

Model Naomi Campbell hospitalized for surgery

Sao Paulo, Brazil – Naomi Campbell was hospitalized in Sao Paulo for the removal of a small cyst, her publicist said.

The 37-year-old British supermodel, a frequent visitor to Brazil who earlier this month celebrated Carnival in the northeastern city of Salvador, was treated at Sirio Libanes Hospital.

“Naomi Campbell was admitted to the hospital … to have a small cyst removed,” her publicist, Jeff Raymond, said in a statement Tuesday. “Following the successful procedure, she is now resting and is looking forward to getting back to work. She would like to thank the doctors who have kindly looked after her.”