Lady Gaga delivers powerful anthem
A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem Wednesday at the Presidential Inauguration in a very Gaga way — with flamboyance, fashion and passion.
The Grammy winner wore a large dove pin and an equally large red and billowing sculpted skirt as she sang into a golden microphone, delivering an emotional and powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Lopez, wearing a shimmering white pantsuit, followed with a moving medley of “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.”
Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace,” pausing to ask the audience, both in attendance and at home, to sing along to the last verse. As he left the podium, he shook hands with President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence, donned his cowboy hat and hugged former President Barack Obama.
The stars were among a slew of celebrities welcoming — virtually or in person — the new administration of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Artists slam UK on EU touring rules:
Dozens of U.K. music stars including Elton John, Ed Sheeran and conductor Simon Rattle say musicians have been “shamefully failed” by the British government, which has left them facing post-Brexit restrictions on touring in the European Union.
In a letter published Wednesday in the Times of London, more than 100 musicians including Sting, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and Roger Daltrey of The Who, along with the heads of major arts institutions, said the U.K.-EU trade deal that took effect Jan. 1 has “a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be.”
Britain’s departure from the EU means that U.K. citizens can no longer live and work freely in the 27-nation bloc. The new rules mean U.K. performers have to comply with differing rules in the 27 EU nations, negotiating visas for musicians and permits for their equipment.
The musicians’ letter said the new expense and bureaucracy will make “many tours unviable, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to keep their heads above water owing to the COVID ban on live music.”
Charges denied by Masterson lawyer:
An attorney for actor Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on “That ’70s Show,” pleaded not guilty on his behalf Wednesday to the rapes of three women in the early 2000s.
Defense lawyer Tom Mesereau entered the plea for Masterson, who was not present in court, to three charges of rape by force or fear in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Prosecutors have alleged that Masterson, 44, who has been free on bond since his June 17 arrest, raped a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-yearold woman in 2003, and a 23-year-old woman in 2003, all at his Hollywood Hills home.
Jan. 21 birthdays:
Singer Placido Domingo is 80. Actor Jill Eikenberry is 74. Singer Billy Ocean is 71. Actor Geena Davis is 65. Actor Charlotte Ross is 53. Actor Ken Leung is 51. Singer Cat Power is 49. DJ Chris Kilmore is 48. Singer Emma Bunton is 45. Actor Jerry Trainor is 44. Actor Luke Grimes is 37. Actor Feliz Ramirez is 29.