A Few More Things: Chris Brown, ‘American Idol’ & CMA Awards

Chris Brown attends another probation check-in, “American Idol” addresses the Auto-Tune controversy and the hosts are announced for the 2010 Country Music Association Awards.

Minding His Ps and Qs

Chris Brown met with a judge for a probation update Thursday during a brief hearing in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old was sentenced last August to five years of probation after he pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault against former girlfriend and fellow singer Rihanna.

Photo: AP Photo
BET Awards, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, Calif.

Brown also agreed to complete six months of community labor and 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling.

Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg said the singer’s domestic violence counselors and the Richmond, Va., police chief overseeing his community service had both given Brown positive reports.

The singer is due back in court for another status hearing Nov. 18. 

It’s A Little Pitchy, Dawg

Fans of “The X Factor” have been in an uproar about the authenticity of the talent on the British reality show, alleging that pitch-correction software was used to enhance a few of the vocal performances.

The show’s producers admitted that post-production had been used to correct the interplay of numerous microphones used during filming – but promised to avoid the use of electronic pitch correction.

Before anyone points a finger at “American Idol,” producers want fans to know their reality show is Auto-Tone free.

“We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the ‘American Idol’ competition,” producers of the Fox series said in a statement Thursday.

Was there ever any question?

The Associated Press points out that thanks to judge Randy Jackson, viewers are well aware of contestants’ problems with “pitchiness.”

Third Time’s A Charm

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley are once again teaming up to host the Country Music Association Awards for the third year in a row.

Paisley has already promised to poke fun at Underwood’s recent wedding to NHL player Mike Fisher during the duo’s onstage banter.

“We have to bring it up. It was big news in country music, so if it is that, it is fair game, as well as Nashville or current events. It’s worth talking about anything like that that people will relate to.”

Photo: AP photo
NBC "Today" show, New York City

Underwood joked that she’s going to re-gift Paisley’s wedding gift.

“You’re going to get it back three Christmases from now,” the “American Idol” winner said.

The 2010 CMA Awards take place Nov. 10, airing live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.