Rush will make their first U.S. television appearance since 1975 tonight when they perform their enduring 1981 anthem 'Tom Sawyer' on 'The Colbert Report.' The Canadian classic-rock trio, which has made a point of eschewing such late-night promotional opportunities throughout its career, makes a rare exception for the Peabody Award-winning, Emmy-nominated Comedy Central parody of conservative political talk shows.

Hosted by Stephen Colbert, the program -- which airs at 11:30 p.m. ET -- has recently become an outlet for musical performers. Neil Young, R.E.M., John Mellencamp and the Roots have all appeared on 'Colbert,' which has confirmed upcoming guests including Nas (July 23), Toby Keith (July 28) and Crosby , Stills and Nash (July 30).

No word if Colbert will join Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart for what Lee once described as "the quintessential Rush song," as the host has been known to do. The comedian previously made news for his duet of 'The Star Spangled Banner' with John Legend. Meanwhile, Rush are wrapping up the latest leg of its successful "Snakes & Arrows Live Tour."

'American Idol' will have a little twang next week when Dolly Parton will appear as a guest judge and mentor to the finalists. The country legend is set to coach the contestants through some of her own songs on the April 1 show, and return the next night to perform her new song, 'Jesus and Gravity,' the second single from Parton's new album, 'Backwoods Barbie.'

Other celebrity judges set to appear on 'American Idol' this season include Mariah Carey, Neil Diamond and theater legend Andrew Lloyd Webber.

On 'Lost,' little is known about Michael Emerson's sphinxlike character, Benjamin Linus. Once simply the ruthless and manipulative leader of the island's Others, viewers now aren't sure what to think of the man who warns against this season's impending rescue. Villian? Hero? Victim? Prophet? Only time will tell.

What we do know about Emerson is that he is an urbane, music-loving New Yorker who prefers the crossword to the surfboard while he's on location in Hawaii. "I'm like Woody Allen in the jungle," he told Jimmy Kimmel.

Spinner's spies have spotted him at a few rock shows around town including last summer's Television reunion at Central Park. Most recently, we spotted him at Town Hall, enjoying the lovely melodies and stage banter from the Magnetic Fields alongside wife and fellow actress Carrie Preston, who also played his mother on 'Lost' -- a situation he called a "Freudian nightmare."

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has spoken: Justin Timberlake's 'D--- in a Box' from 'Saturday Night Live' is nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. 'Sopranos' rounds out most of the spots on the full list of Emmy nominees.

I keep hearing about this Pancake Mountain children's show, but I have yet to see an entire episode. A friend once excitedly emailed me after her first viewing, describing it as, "A show where hilarious kids dance around to real bands. And sometimes there are puppets." Well, like an idiot I kept neglecting it, until today when PFork posted this lovely clip of Ms. Jenny Lewis shakin' her sequin mini-dress for some small children.



Judging by this clip alone, Pancake Mountain is clearly an awesome show that we should all be watching.