Inauguration to have ‘Voice’ winner
SANTA FE, N.M. — Chevel Shepherd, the winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” is scheduled to perform next week at the inauguration of New Mexico Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Lujan Grisham’s office says Shepherd will perform “God Bless America” at the inaugural ceremony along with other songs at the two inaugural balls on Jan. 1.
The Democratic politician says Shepherd, a 16-year-old from Farmington, has made New Mexicans proud with her remarkable talent.
Shepherd was declared the winner of “The Voice” earlier this month after weeks of competition. Singer Kelly Clarkson was her coach.
Shepherd has said she also plans to schedule a concert in January in her hometown.
Spacey asks to skip court appearance
BOSTON (AP) — Lawyers for Kevin Spacey are asking a judge to allow the actor to skip his arraignment on sexual assault charges in a Massachusetts courthouse next month.
The Boston Globe reports that Spacey’s attorneys have filed a motion asking to excuse his presence at a Jan. 7 hearing in Nantucket District Court. The reason wasn’t disclosed.
Prosecutors asked the judge to deny the motion. The judge did not immediately rule.
Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Michael Giardino wrote that Spacey’s appearance is required under state rules for criminal case procedure.
The 59-year-old Oscar winner is charged with felony indecent assault and battery.
Prosecutors say he groped an 18-year-old man in a Nantucket restaurant in 2016.
Spacey’s attorneys have not spoken publicly about the case but in a court hearing questioned the evidence.
John Denver home on sale for $11M
ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — An Aspen house built by John Denver has been put on the market for $11 million.
The Aspen Times reports the 7,735-square-foot home constructed in 1972 was put up for sale this week following a major renovation.
The house situated in a gated community has swapped ownership twice following the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s death in October 1997.
The home has five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half-baths, as well as office space, a workout room, three wet bars and other features.
Denis and Kelly O’Donovan bought the home for $2.75 million in December 2016.
They then remodeled the property, modernizing the home while blending in its original elements.
