Music Notes: Michael Stipe Inspires Sitcom

July 18 -- Michael Stipe is getting involved in his own form of reality television.

The R.E.M. frontman's experiences will be used for a new character on an MTV sitcom.

The upcoming, as-yet-untitled series will focus on a 22-year-old male rock star and his best friend, according to Variety. No word on when the series will air.

In the meantime, a new R.E.M. Unplugged session will appear on MTV in August.

New Artists Favored at Latin Grammys

The Latin Grammys may prove to be more welcoming to new talent then its predecessor, the Grammy Awards.

The nominations for the second installment of the Latin-themed awards ceremony are out, with a Colombian newcomer leading the pack. The handsome Juanes picked up six nominations, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year.

The nominating committee said it deliberately sought out new talent.

"We'll still have the big artists … but we're committed to finding new artists that can be successful, " Michael Greene, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and the Latin Recording Academy, told The Associated Press.

Among the established acts on the list, Christina Aguilera picked up two nominations for material from her Spanish-language CD Mi Refleio, and Ricky Martin was recognized for his Spanish-language version of the video for "She Bangs."

Cuban music legend Chico O'Farrill, who died June 27, received a posthumous nomination for best Latin jazz album for Carambola.

The awards will air live on CBS on Sept. 11.

Jane's Addiction Tour Plans

It's not quite Lollapalooza, but Perry Farrell is again trying to bring together diverse acts for a Jane's Addiction tour.

The alternative rock band is planning a two-month reunion tour, and will not be by themselves. According to the British rock paper New Music Express, Farrell has asked Weezer, Live and the Stereo MC's to join them on their "Jubilee" tour.

"It's more rewarding to see people get off on different [types of music] than to play with bands with a lot in common," said Farrell.