Apollonia, who was recruited to star in Purple Rain after Vanity parted ways with Prince, says that Vanity was "a pioneer, a strong woman, she was a diva, the princess of funk." Apollonia tells the Associated Press that Vanity, who died Monday at age 57, was "an inspiration to me, just like she was to all the ladies that followed."

New music

Poliça have shared a new song, "Lately," from their forthcoming album United Crushers. The album drops on March 4. (Stereogum)

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FKA twigs has a new single — and video. The artist also plans to perform the song, "Good to Love," next Wednesday on The Tonight Show. (Pitchfork)

What's Dave Grohl up to?

At Wednesday night's NME Awards, Taylor Swift was named Best International Solo Artist; Run the Jewels won Best International Band. The Maccabees won Best British Band, and Charli XCX upset Adele for the Best British Artist prize. Dave Grohl was named "hero of the year." (Billboard)

Grohl will make a "special performance" at this year's Oscars ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced. Other musicians expected to appear (either presenting or performing) at the Oscars are the Weeknd, Pharrell, Common, and John Legend. (Rolling Stone)

The head Foo Fighter has also revealed that he was among the many musicians who had collaboration requests turned down by David Bowie. Grohl's idea was that Bowie would sing a song Grohl wrote for a movie, but Bowie admitted, "I got to be honest, it's not my thing." When Grohl thanked Bowie anyway, Bowie responded, "Alright, now that's settled then, f--- off." Grohl said he didn't know whether or not that last comment was a joke. (Billboard)

A chilling "Cherry Wine"

Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan stars in a new video for Hozier's "Cherry Wine." The video takes on the subject of domestic abuse, and proceeds from sales of the single will be donated to organizations fighting such abuse. (Billboard)

Girls en pointe

Nick Rhodes says that Duran Duran are developing outtake into a ballet. The band members, Rhodes clarifies, would not themselves be dancing. "Oh, I try not to envision that, for sure," he says. The band are also working on a stage musical that will feature all original material, Rhodes says — but mostly, they're focusing on their upcoming tour with Chic, which comes to the Xcel Energy Center on July 23. (Billboard)

Nobody really cares if you don't win a Grammy

Though she didn't win Best New Artist at the Grammys, Courtney Barnett is going full steam ahead. She stopped by Late Night with Stephen Colbert to perform her song "Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go to the Party." (Billboard)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zBy7JyV9_E

Florence + the time machines

Florence Welch has been named the brand ambassador of Gucci jewelry and watches. The line's creative director Alessandro Michele says that Florence + the Machine's latest album How Big How Blue How Beautiful was his go-to album while he was designing this year's spring collection. (Billboard)

New wings for Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden have unveiled the Boeing 747 they'll be touring in this year — with frontman Bruce Dickinson, a licensed pilot, at the helm. (Billboard)