News Roundup:

Country artist Dan Seals, who launched his career with England Dan & John Ford Coley before embarking on an acclaimed solo career, died on Wednesday at the age of 61. Seals sent 11 singles to the top of the country charts between 1985 and 1990, making him one of the era’s most successful artists. [CMT.com]

After pleading guilty to weapon charges, superstar rapper T.I. has been sentenced to a one-year sentence in prison. Such crimes routinely carry of minimum of nearly five years in jail, but T.I.’s legal team offered a plea bargain involving community service, house arrest, and a hefty fine, all in exchange for an abridged sentence. [RollingStone.com]

Longstanding rumors claiming that Feist contributed to Wilco’s upcoming album have been confirmed by the band’s website. The record will be released in June, and Wilco hits the road next month in support of its impending release. [PitchforkMedia.com]

Time Turns Elastic, a collaboration between Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and orchestrator Don Hart, is slated for release on May 12. The album combines blue guitar with classical music, and Phish plans to cover its orchestral material (”reimagined as a rock epic,” no less) during the band’s summer tour. [Spinner.com]

Oil-rigger-turned-vocalist Michael Sarver was booted from the American Idol competition last night, leaving nine contestants behind. [EOnline.com]

Blender Magazine closed its door this week, with representatives stating that the upcoming April issue will be the company’s last. Blender.com will continue to feature editorial coverage, although former editor-in-chief Joe Levy will now oversee the content at Maxim, the last magazine title owned by Alpha Media Group. [Adage.com]