As had been widely expected, David Bowie was posthumously honored with awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and Best British Album at Wednesday's BRIT Awards — often called Britain's Grammys. The 1975 were named Best British Group and Emili Sandé landed Best British Female Solo Artist. Wisconsin's Justin Vernon (as Bon Iver) lost Best International Male to Drake, who also beat out his fellow Canadian Leonard Cohen in that category. (NME)

At the award ceremony, George Michael was paid tribute by some of the musicians who knew him best: his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, and the group's backing singers Pepsi & Shirlie. "George's contribution to the great archive of contemporary music rests alongside the immortals," said Ridgeley. "His is a legacy of unquestionable brilliance and one that will continue to shine and resonate for generations to come." (Rolling Stone)

Chris Martin honored Michael by singing "A Different Corner," and also jumped on stage with the Chainsmokers to perform "Something Just Like This," a new collaboration between Coldplay and the young U.S. hitmakers. (Rolling Stone)

Jay Z makes Songwriters Hall of Fame history

Jay Z is "over the moon" about his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, says the organization's president Linda Moran. The Wednesday announcement that the hall's class of 2017 will include Jay Z makes him the first rapper to be selected for induction into the 48-year-old institution. (New York Times)

Minnesota's Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were also named for induction this year — but inexplicably, their fellow Minneapolitan Prince still hasn't been inducted. (Local Current)

Jackie Evancho responds to transgender policy change

Jackie Evancho, the young singer who performed the National Anthem at Donald Trump’s inauguration, says she'd like to speak with the President about transgender rights. A tweet from Evancho requesting a meeting between Trump, the singer, and her sister (who is transgender) came in the wake of the administration's decision to roll back protections for transgender students put in place by former president Barack Obama. (BuzzFeed)

Old Crow Medicine Show to release Blonde on Blonde live cover

Old Crow Medicine Show will release a live album featuring their complete performance, last May, of Bob Dylan’s classic album Blonde on Blonde. The album, 50 Years of Blonde on Blonde, comes out April 28. It's also the band's first release on Columbia Nashville. (Rolling Stone)

Old Crow's best-known association with Dylan involves the 2004 song "Wagon Wheel," which started as a 1970s song sketch by Dylan. Expanded and completed by Old Crow, "Wagon Wheel" became their signature song and a hit for other artists including Darius Rucker.

Everclear to play (not run) Grandma's Marathon

Runners in Grandma's Marathon this summer can get pumped up with Everclear, who are playing in downtown Duluth on June 16, the eve of the marathon. Also on the bill: Fastball and Vertical Horizon. (Duluth News Tribune)

Kanye inspires L.A. sculpture

Kanye West put a naked Donald Trump lookalike in his "Famous" video, so in a sense it's appropriate that Ginger, the artist who put nude Trump statues in major cities last summer, has now collaborated with an artist named Plastic Jesus on a sculpture of...that's right, Kanye. The sculpture, called False Idol and placed on Hollywood Boulevard, depicts West in a crucified, Christ-like pose.

In an interview, Plastic Jesus explained, sort of, by saying that West is "a genius at writing and producing but he's not a God, and that's where we put him. Until there's an issue in his life or a hiccup in his career, then we crucify him. By all means, treat and respect these people are artists, but don't make them into gods — because we crucify our gods." (Hollywood Reporter)