Due to a positive COVID-19 test, LL Cool J will no longer be performing during this year’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, according to Deadline.
What’s Happening:
- LL Cool J, originally announced to be a performer during the festivities of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest will no longer be performing after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
- Set to perform several of his hit songs, the singer and NCIS: Los Angeles actor had to pull out of the special today after the positive test results.
- Also set to perform was singer-actress Chloe, who producers confirmed has cancelled her appearance though no reason why was given regarding her departure.
- As of press time, ABC will still be going ahead with the annual special, this year celebrating their 50th anniversary, starting December 31st at 8:00 PM ET on the ABC Network. Host Ryan Seacrest will be joined by Liza Koshy from Times Square, Pose’s Billy Porter will join from New Orleans, and Ciara will take part from Los Angeles.
- As of press time, other performers still set to appear include (but are not limited to):
- Karol G
- Journey
- Avril Lavigne
- Travis Barker
- Big Boi with Sleepy Brown
- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with singer Windser
- OneRepublic
- Walker Hayes
- Daddy Yankee
- Due to the increase of COVID cases with the rise of the Omicron variant, Fox had already cancelled plans for their New Year’s Eve special, set to be hosted by Joel McHale and Ken Jeong. However, as of press time, this is the only network to confirm cancelled plans for a New Year’s special. CBS, CNN, NBC, and of course, ABC are all set to go through with their festivities as of now.
- Reportedly, ABC has previously said that they were taking a wait-and-see approach to this year’s event, and will look to New York City for guidance regarding the celebration in Times Square. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced the city will go forward with the celebration and the iconic Ball Drop in Times Square, but with tighter rules, including masks and social distancing. As such ABC is proceeding while adhering to CDC and local protocols.
What They’re Saying:
- LL Cool J: “I know it’s disappointing to the millions of fans, but my test came back positive for COVID, which means I’ll no longer be able to perform as scheduled at NYRE. We were ready, and I was really looking forward to ringing in 2022 in my hometown in a special way, but for now I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The best is yet to come!