Confirming the rumors, Google and MySpace today announced they are partnering on a new music search initiative using technology from Seattle's iLike, which MySpace acquired in August.

Is Google trying to outdo itself with news today? This will probably get far more use than the navigation service announced this morning.

MySpace Music is providing music streaming and buying services to Google's new music search, which will have a pop-up music player. Google is also working with Lala, Pandora and RealNetworks on the initiative.

Google's official blog announcement said the company's "making search more musical." An excerpt:

This feature doesn't just make search better. It also helps people discover new sources of licensed music online while helping artists to discover new generations of fans and reconnect with longtime listeners. Our users love music, and this tool introduces millions of music seekers in the U.S. to a new generation of licensed online music services, from MySpace and Lala to Pandora, imeem and Rhapsody.

The features, according to MySpace:

Streaming music: MySpace will provide streaming music from our major label and independents partners, including EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony ATV, and independents including The Orchard and IODA, among many others.

Music videos: The pop-up player includes a link to music videos. MySpace offers the entire fully licensed video catalogues from our major label and independent partners.

On-tour information: The pop-up player includes a link to upcoming tour information. This is the first time concert data has been integrated into Google search.

Purchase tracks: Ability to buy songs from iTunes or Amazon.

The player: