Time to take a look at what happened in the music biz the week ending Jan 21 – from “American Idol” to the hottest new restaurant and industry hang to open in Los Angeles. 

I watched “American Idol.” I hate to admit it, but I’ve not watched it in a long time and curiosity got the best of me, so I tuned in. I have to say, I thought it was great. Steven Tyler is fun to watch. You never know what he’s going to say and his facial expressions are priceless (he even relaunched his official website this week). I know rattings were down, but that was to be expected. I have high expectations for this season. I do hope they actually find some real talent.

Seems Universal Music Group has the lock down on TV talent. They inked a long-term deal for “American Idol” last year, and now they’ve added Mark Burnett’s new music show “The Voice” to the mix.  Universal Republic chief Monte Lipman hopes “The Voice” will be America’s “next cultural phenomenon.” We will all say prayers for that.

In touring news, one of the good guys, Alex Hodges, was named CEO of Nederlander Concerts upon Adam Friedman’s exit. Alex is not only an amazing exec, he’s a true music man, this position could not be more deserved.

Lots of chaos among the labels this week.  Not only is Warner Music Group reportedly for sale, the company’s chief Edgar Bronfman Jr. was found guilty by the French courts of insider trading in charges involving the sale of Vivendi Universal stock in 2002…..Also looks like Universal Music Group is going to do a round of layoffs. Reportedly 60 staffers are expected to be let go.

On the digital front, Eric Schmidt will be replaced as CEO of Google by co-founder Larry Page, beginning in April. Schmidt will become executive chairman of the Google board.

Music conventions are in full swing. MIDEM has once again descended on Cannes, France and the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah will feature more music than ever this year (we will be there!). Also heating up are NARM and the New Music Seminar. NARM is returning to Los Angeles for the first time in ions May 9 to May 12. The biz association is going to honor “American Idol” with a special “Outstanding Achievement Award” and Hastings Entertainment chief John Marmaduke will be honored the coveted “Presidential Award for Sustained Executive Achievement”…..The New Music Seminar announced its “Producer, Songwriter and Performance Workshops” which will feature Grammy-winning producer/engineer “Bassy” Bob Brockmann, Rodney Jerkins, Gavin Lurssen and Scott Jacoby. The event will be held in Los Angeles, Feb 14-16.

I think music geeks are still recovering from NAMM. I’ve never seen so many men trying to look like Ozzy Osbourne. If conventions are any sign that our industry is picking up, CES and NAMM proved that 2011 may be a better year.

Finally, the hottest new restaurant in Los Angeles is Craig’s. The newly-opened spot by Craig Susser, Dan Tana‘s maitre d’ for over 20 years, had a who’s who of the music biz eating pasta and pizza. When I was there, I ran into my old boss Irving Azoff who was dining with the CBS honcho Jack Sussman. What’s even more amazing is that after I left, Lenny Warnoker started to choke on some steak and The Agency Group chief Steve Martin gave him the Heimlich and saved his life!

Last but not least, Britney Spears is back with hit song “Hold It Against Me.” Go Brit Brit.