CBS Near Deal With Mayer For Variety Show

CBS is nearing a deal with John Mayer for a music-driven variety show, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler told a meeting of the Television Critics Association. No additional details were made available.

Mayer previously made a cameo in a 2006 episode of the hit CBS drama "CSI," and may also perform during the network's Grammy telecast next month.

The artist, who in the past has done unannounced stand-up comedy sets while away from the stage, has become a tabloid fixture in the last year thanks to his relationship with actress Jennifer Aniston.

In November, he wrote on his blog that "I'm working on the next CD, which I'm sure you will immediately hate until you eventually love. I'm basing out of L.A. because I'm working on a side project that is extremely cool (I'll tell you about it soon)."

Mayer's last album, 2006's "Continuum," has sold 2.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.