Names and faces
■ Country singer Lee Brice has tested positive for covid-19 and will not perform as scheduled at the CMA Awards on Wednesday. A represent at ive for Brice said on Sunday that he is “in good spirits and not experiencing any symptoms.” Brice was tested ahead of the awards show, which will be broadcast on ABC from Nashville, Tenn., where he had been scheduled to perform with Carly Pearce. Pearce and Brice are both nominated for their duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” in the categories musical event of the year and music video of the year. Brice, who is known for hit songs like “I Drive Your Truck” and “I Don’t Dance,” will be isolating at home until he’s cleared by a doctor, according to a statement from his representative. A CMA representative said Brice was tested and received his result before arriving onsite for any of show rehearsals or activities. Although the show doesn’t have a normal audience of fans because of the pandemic, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern had promised to bring country stars together in one room for the awards show, while still physically distanced. “Lee would like to thank the CMAs and all of his incredible fans for his nominations and is wishing his fellow nominees an incredible evening celebrating the best of country music,” the statement said.
■ Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, has been formally sworn in as first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne in a traditional palace ritual that has been postponed for seven months and scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sunday’s ceremony for the 54-year-old crown prince, better known as Prince Akishino, concludes a series of imperial succession rituals that began in May last year when Naruhito ascended to the throne after their 86-year-old father, Akihito, abdicated. Inside the palace’s most prestigious Pine Room, Naruhito, 60, declared that his younger brother is now officially the crown prince who is first in line to succeed the throne of the world’s oldest monarchy. Fumihito, in an orange robe and accompanied by his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, pledged in response: “I deeply acknowledge my responsibilities as crown prince and carry out my duties.” The approximately 15-minute ceremony, initially scheduled for April 19, was postponed due to the pandemic. Sunday’s ritual was also scaled down from the original 350 planned guests to about 50. Naruhito’s succession left only two younger men in line for the throne — Fumihito and his 14-yearold son, Hisahito. Naruhito’s 18-year-old daughter, Aiko, and the crown prince’s two daughters Mako and Kako are not in line because they are women, who are barred from becoming emperor under Japan’s Imperial House Law.