This week, Brian and Kyle "express themselves" about Madonna's latest concert, the Sticky and Sweet tour, and they really get into it. From Paula Abdul and MC Skat Cat to Natalie Cole's "ghost duet" with her late father, these two plow through a mountain of pop culture on their way to their final verdict on the show. Can Madge earn five cone bras out of five from our guys? And an added bonus: Brian's list of words that make him uncomfortable!

Also mentioned this week: Aretha Franklin, whose voice was declared a natural resource in the state of Michigan.

Enjoy it all after the break!

Hey, it's Friday! And our pal Colin from NewNowNext is back to tip us off to what's hot in popular music.

Video of the Week: Coldplay – “Lovers in Japan
The new single from that British band you may have heard of has all the soaring, epic sounds you’d expect from the crew – along with harpsichord plucking, paper butterflies and lots and lots of spinning.

Lykke Li Interview with NewNowNext NOISE
The hipster Swedish pop beauty was in New York for CMJ, and we snagged her for a quick video interview: hear why Lykke’s standard greeting is “Hi girls and gays!”

In Xtina's defense, Gaga isn't exactly making it easy...

Christina Aguilera Doesn’t Know if Lady Gaga Is a Man or a Woman
Maybe you’ve heard about this little feud? At least X-Tina is acknowledging a drag queen could be the one duplicating her look.

More after the break!

One of these things is not like the others

Following this assortment of carefully-selected news items, interested readers can find a refreshing pic of a hot man in underwear after the jump. Yes, we're serious.

• The cover for the Out Magazine Hot 100 has been released, and it begs the question "what the hell is Katy Perry doing on there?" She's a straight performer who became famous for singing the smarmy tease "I Kissed A Girl" and the insulting "UR So Gay". Was this the best they could do?

• Speaking of insulting, some rapper you've never heard of doesn't want your gay money. "“I’ma(sic) go on the record right now with this. Homosexuals are probably not gonna like this album" says Trick Trick. Damn ... and I was so looking forward to shelling out my pink three dollar bills for this masterpiece.

• You may have heard about the boycott of the California Musical Theater because of its artistic director's contribution to Proposition 8. Now comes word that Scott Eckern, the man at the center of the controversy, has resigned from the theater.

From the Boyzone video "Better"

• To get rid of the stench of Trick Trick's rap droppings, take a look at the newest music video from Irish boyband Boyzone. It's for the song "Better" and features each of the guys in romantic scenes, but with out singer Stephen Gately steaming up the screen with a male actor playing his love interest. The matter-of-fact way it's treated is wonderfully refreshing.

• And finally, with the protests over Prop 8 still going strong, there is good news on the gay marriage front. Today was the first day that gay couples could legally marry in Connecticut. Congratulations to all the couples taking that stroll down the aisle!

And today's Briefs are brought to you by...

We're excited to bring you a new kind of vlog here at AfterElton.com: in Sounds Like a Hit!, two gay friends on opposite coasts chat via webcam about current pop culture events, music and gay icons.

This week Brian (Los Angeles) and Kyle (New York City) dish on Beyonce's multiple-personality disorder, the use of parentheses in pop song titles, and Bob Fosse's routine for "Mexican Breakfast". Then the gents hop into their gay time machine to discuss Bette Midler's performance in The Rose.

Welcome the new fellas and enjoy the first episode after the break!

Hey, it's Friday! And our pal Colin from NewNowNext is back to tip us off to what's hot in popular music.

Video of the Week: "Stuck to You" by Nikka Costa
From the funk-soul singer's fourth album, Pebble to a Pearl, comes a decidedly upbeat clap-y and jazz-y number ... with lots and lots of branches.

Tami Chynn Interview With NewNowNext NOISE
The "Hyperventilating" and "Frozen" singer from Jamaica has been recording with Akon and opening for New Kids on The Block, all in prep for her big U.S. release. Hear what she had to say - from New York's Therapy.

The All-American Rejects

All-American Rejects "Gives You Hell" Video
We cant lie: Tyler's face does not "give us hell," despite what his aims. Watch these two angry neighbors - and two intrigued housewives - as they battle it out, passive-aggressive style. How does that taste?

More after the break!

A diverse group of queer and queer-friendly musicians came together to record an anthem in support of the Democratic party in this year's election. Ari Gold, Deepa Soul, Kevin Aviance, Homophonic vlog's Alex and many more pitched in, and it's perfect for getting you revved up to hit the polls.

Hey, it's Friday! And our pal Colin from NewNowNext is back to tip us off to what's hot in popular music.

Video of the Week: Lykke Li “I’m Good, I’m Gone”
This young, model-esque Swede is total art-scene fare – and her quirky style of pop is all kinds of edgy and funky.

Lady GaGa’s The Fame Release Party and Concert Photos
Straight from the Haus of GaGa’s queer fest of an album release party – enjoy our concert photos of GaGa and her gay opening acts.

Lady Gaga and friends

Lady GaGa “Poker Face” Video
And while we’re going GaGa, check out her amazing – and completely ridiculous – new playing card-themed video, complete with boys in their underwear and giant dogs.

More after the break!

Hey, it's Friday! And our pal Colin from NewNowNext is back to tip us off to what's hot in popular music.

Video of the Week: Janelle Monae – “Many Moons”
This twisted, futuristic number from progressive singer Janelle Monae is a tad bizarre – but in the best way possible. From her Metropolis album, a spastic Janelle proves she’s more than a model at this strange runway-auction… (check it out above)

Keri Hilson “Return The Favor” Ft. Timbaland video
We’ll admit we have a total thing for the beautiful Timbaland-apprentice-turned-solo-artist Keri Hilson - and her Kylie Minogue-esque treatment of her new club number is only making things worse.

More after the break!

Out writer/producer Greg Berlanti looking adorable at a recent Eli Stone event

Following this assortment of carefully-selected news items, interested readers can find a refreshing pic of a hot man in underwear after the jump. Yes, we're serious.

• Australian gay mag DNA wrongly outed a straight X Factor contestant, leading Austin Drage to have to come out as heterosexual to his gay fans. At least he was appreciative, and I hope he returned the toaster oven.

• TIME has a rather sobering article on the fight for gay marriage in California ... and beyond!

• Kevin Smith says that when he asked Brandon Routh if his Superman contract wouldn't allow him to play Justin Long's lover in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Routh apparently replied, "What is this, 1940?" Okay, now I almost wish I didn't hate Superman Returns.

• Since it's the season ... the always-campy Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) will close the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival with drag personality Peaches Christ. For more info, check out the fest's site.

• And if you're in NYC tonite, be sure to stop by SPLASH for Patti Labelle's record release party, where the sould legend and her Labelle ladies (above) will be signing CDs for her gay fans. You go, Miss Patti!

And today's Briefs are brought to you by...

Hey, it's Friday! And our pal Colin from NewNowNext is back to tip us off to what's hot in popular music.

Video of the Week: Sylvia Tosun “Underlying Feeling”
This video couldn’t get much gayer, fellas! Julliard-trained Sylvia recruited legendary fashion queers The Blonds, as well as photographer Mike Ruiz, for her trance-y video. You know some drag queens want those outfits … check it out at the top.

NNN.com Interview with Jennifer Hudson
After hosting Logo’s pop-culture music show, PopLab, J-Hud herself called up NNN.com to talk about her favorite tracks from her album, as well as performing alongside drag queens … and, of course, Ms. New York.

More after the break!