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Today, Judge Stanton handed YouTube a major legal victory in the $1 billion copyright lawsuit brought by Viacom against YouTube. Judge Stanton ruled that YouTube fell within the DMCA safe harbor as an Internet service provider that followed the notice-and-takedown procedure of the DMCA.

The case is a huge victory for YouTube and other video sharing sites, and huge loss for Viacom and other copyright holders that sued YouTube. Google’s General Counsel Kent Walker wrote on YT’s blog, “This is an important victory not just for us, but also for the billions of people around the world who use the web to communicate and share experiences with each other. We’re excited about this decision and look forward to renewing our focus on supporting the incredible variety of ideas and expression that billions of people post and watch on YouTube every day around the world.”

Viacom vows to appeal the decision.

Download the Viacom v. YouTube opinion by clicking here

Justin Bieber will perform on the Today Show Friday morning. We’ll post the video if there is one.

Everyone knows Justin Bieber is the biggest musical discovery to come from YouTube so far. His “Baby” video is the 3rd most viewed video of all time, with over an astounding 170 million views. Lady Gaga is No. 1 all time on YouTube, with her “Bad Romance” video, which has over 216 million views. While Bieber became famous on YouTube before being signed by Usher, it’s very surprising that YouTube hasn’t produced other major music stars in the 5 years of YouTube’s existence. Or, more accurately, it’s surprising the music industry hasn’t signed more talented singers from YouTube. Sure, Marie Digby, Esmee Denters, and Terra Naomi all were signed by the labels. But they were the exception, not the rule.

The music industry should do more. Justin Bieber won’t be the only singer to be discovered on YouTube. I just heard this amazing singer in Chicago named Starina Catchatoorian. She’s got this cool, edgy video for her catchy song, “Underdog.” NPR did a short write-up on her. If I had a music label, I would sign this new talent, stat.

Click here for Starina’s MySpace music page

Ellen DeGeneres announced that she’s starting a new record label, and that 12 year old singing prodigy Greyson Chance is her first singer. (More here)

Greyson Chance stormed onto the YouTube since — ala Justin Bieber — after singing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.”

Click here for the video

Click here for the video

Click here for the duet of Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox

Click here for Lee singing Simple Man

Click here for Lee singing Hallelujah

Justin Bieber sang “Baby” and even jammed a drum solo at the end. Click here for the video