Bruno Mars sues his publisher (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – Grammy winner Bruno Mars is asking a judge to free him from his publisher, Bug Music, Inc.

In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court Tuesday, Mars -- whose real name is Peter Hernandez -- says that his contract with Bug ended on May 12, 2011 because the publisher didn't exercise its option to continue it.

Mars's lawyer, Michael J. Niborski of the law firm Pryor Cashman LLP, wrote that Bug initially acknowledged that Mars fulfilled his part of the contract, and that in order for the deal to remain in effect, Bug would have to officially extend its option to continue.

But after Mars told Bug that he wanted out, Bug "shifted gears, and suddenly argued that (Mars) had not, in fact, met the minimum release requirements," Niborski wrote.

Representatives of Bug did not return calls.

The Bug Music website continues to list Mars as a client.

Released in October, Mars' debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, while yielding its Honolulu-raised maker a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance on the single "Just the Way You Are."

Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.

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Top nominee Bruno Mars will perform at VMAs (Reuters)

NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) – Bruno Mars, who is up for four Video Music Awards including "Video of the Year" will also perform on the show, MTV announced Thursday.

The VMAs appearance will add to an impressive list of 2011 accomplishments, which also include his multi-platinum debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans"; his co-writing, producing and performing assistance on B.o.B's "Nothin' On You," Travis McCoy's "Billionaire" and Cee Lo Green's "F--- You"; as well as his own hit singles, "Just The Way You Are," "Grenade" and "The Lazy Song."

"We're thrilled to have Bruno Mars bring his exceptional talent to the VMA stage," said Amy Doyle, executive producer of the awards show. "He is one of the most exciting live performers today and with his artistic versatility, he will undoubtedly deliver a standout performance."

Mars joins previously announced performers Adele, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Young the Giant.

MTV also announced that it has added a few more presenters into the mix. Welcome aboard, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Odd Future, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and Rick Ross.

The "2011 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28 at 9 p.m. EDT.

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Bruno Mars scores longest-reigning debut single (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Billboard) – With a 20th week at No. 1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" becomes the longest-reigning debut single in the list's almost 50-year history.

The song beats the career-opening commands of Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" (2008) and Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" (2006), each of which spent 19 weeks at No. 1.

"Way" marks Mars' debut song as a lead artist and his first to reach the AC chart. He previously charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured vocalist on B.o.B's "Nothin' on You" (No. 1, two weeks) and Travie McCoy's "Billionaire" (No. 4) last year.

What has helped fuel the AC domination of "Way?" Before it reached the chart's summit the week of February 5, the track led Hot 100 Airplay (seven weeks), Adult Top 40 (five), the Hot 100 (four), Mainstream Top 40 (three) and Hot Digital Songs (two).

Mars' debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans," bowed on the Billboard 200 at No. 3 the week of October 23, 2010, and has spent its first 36 weeks in the chart's top 40. The set has sold 1.1 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

(Editing by Zorianna Kit)

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