Rapper Chris Brown to sing with Elmo

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Preschoolers can watch American rap star Chris Brown match vocal wits with Elmo on a "See the Signs" duet on the season premiere of "Sesame Street."

Big Bird, Elmo and friends return for their 38th season of adventures Aug. 13 to introduce their preschool audience to the fundamentals of early literacy such as rhyming, vocabulary and letter sounds, the show's producers said in a news release.

James Blunt will be on Sesame Street Aug. 31 crooning with Telly Monster "My Triangle," a takeoff of Blunt's hit, "You're Beautiful." Country music duo Sugarland will be a temporary trio Sept. 13, singing "Songs" with Elmo.

As part of the show's literacy focus, each new episode begins with a "What's the Word on the Street?" interview with people and animals who introduce and define the day's "Word on the Street," show officials said.

Other celebrities scheduled to stroll along Sesame Street include celebrity chef Rachel Ray, "30 Rock" star Tina Fey, CNN host Anderson Cooper and members of the New York Jets football team.