As COVID cases surge across the United States and much of the world, another TV event has felt the effects of the pandemic. According to a report from Deadline, Rapper LL Cool J has tested positive for COVID-19, causing him to cancel his TV performance on ABC’s New Year’s Eve special, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
In a statement, LL Cool J broke the news of his test results and the cancelation and also shared his disappointment with the situation, saying:
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!”
Unfortunately, LL Cool J is not the only performer dropping out of the event due to COVID. R&B singer, Chloe Bailey will also not be performing as originally scheduled. However, there are plenty of performers still set to appear on this year’s special in one form or another, including Billy Porter, Karol G, Journey, Daddy Yankee, Ciara, Avril Lavigne & Travis Barker, Big Boi, OneRepublic, and French Montana.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (NYRE) has been a staple of yearly television viewing on New Year’s Eve ever since the 1970’s. The TV event celebrates the famous ball drop in New York City leading up to the stroke of midnight while also showcasing a variety of musical performances. Past performers on NYRE have included dozens of bands and singers. Nearly everyone from Aerosmith to Lady Gaga and AL Green has performed either live or in a pre-recorded fashion for the special over the last 40+ years.
For more updates on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and other TV events, check back in with The Nerd Stash!
