LL Cool J forced to cancel his performance at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest show after he tests positive for Covid-19
LL Cool J will no longer perform during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest due to a positive Covid-19 test.
The news of the 53-year-old rapper-turned actor’s coronavirus status was shared in a statement from the TV network.
‘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,’ the entertainer said in the announcement.
Announcement: LL Cool J will no longer perform during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest special due to a positive Covid-19 test; LL Cool J pictured on December 2
He continued, ‘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!’
It was also announced that singer Chloe will no longer take the stage at the beloved event in New York City.
The annual program is still set to air on ABC at 8pm ET, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, 47.
The show will still see performances by Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker, Karol G, French Montana, and others.
Upcoming: The annual program is still set to air on ABC at 8pm ET, hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee is currently set to perform in Puerto Rico during the multi-location event.
Other hosts have been tapped to lead the special, including Liza Koshy, who will appear from New York City.
Billy Porter has also signed on to host the event from New Orleans, according to Deadline.
The special will also feature its very first Spanish-language countdown, and Roselyn Sanchez is set to host an event held in Puerto Rico.
Longtime host: Seacrest has hosted the show from Times Square since 2005 after Dick Clark suffered a stroke
2021 will mark the 50th year that the beloved countdown show has been running.
Despite concerns about the recent surge in covid transmission, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the event would continue with a scaled back attendees.
ABC will enforce CDC guidelines of social distancing and mask-wearing.
In contrast, Fox recently announced that its New Year’s special New Year’s Eve Toast & Roast 2022 was canceled.
Lineup: The show will still see performances by Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker, Karol G, French Montana, and others