celebrity extra
Q:Is it true that Sam Waterston is leaving “Law & Order”? Who is going to replace him? -- K.J.
A:”Law & Order” was resurrected in February 2022 after an 11year hiatus. It spawned several successful spin-offs, including “Law & Order: SVU,” which has surpassed the original “L&O” in terms of seasons. While he wasn’t an original cast member, Sam Waterston left a prestigious film career to play District Attorney Jack McCoy, starting with the show’s fifth season. He rejoined the show at the age of 81 when it returned two years ago.
He’s since made the decision to exit once again. However, he doesn’t appear to be retiring as he recently stated, “There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next.” Tony Goldwyn (“Scandal”) has been cast as the new DA.
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Q:Who are the new coaches I saw on a commercial for “The Voice”? I don’t recognize them. Also, have there been any winners of “The Voice” who have had successful careers on par with “American Idol” winners like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson? -- H.A.
A: The 25th season of the singing competition show “The Voice” premiered on NBC in February with returning judges John Legend, Reba McEntire and Chance the Rapper. Joining them this season is the Grammy-winning country/pop duo Dan + Shay, who met when they moved to Nashville, Tennessee, separately. The twosome actually isn’t new to “The Voice” -- they appeared in season 20 as “battle advisors” for former judge Blake Shelton. In terms of Billboard rankings, the most successful winners from “The Voice” include Cassadee Pope from season three. She climbed to the top-five spot of the country music chart with the song “Wasting All These Tears.” According to TVLine, she’s since left the genre to return to her poppunk roots.
Season nine’s Jordan Smith had the most successful debut album of the winners so far and also found success as a songwriter. He penned “Ashes” for the “Deadpool 2” soundtrack, which was recorded by none other than Celine Dion. Last season’s winner who goes by one name -- Huntley -- has yet to release a single, but he did sing the National Anthem at an NFL game.