Although Fox canceled their New Years show earlier this week, ABC is moving forward with Dick Clark’s New Years Eve with Ryan Seacrest next week. The network made the decision after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the balloon drop in Times Square would continue, with fewer people allowed to attend and tighter coronavirus safety rules. The status of the event was called into question as the number of new coronavirus cases skyrocketed as the highly contagious variant of Omicron spread.
After de Blasio’s announcement, ABC decided to continue their plans for Rockin ‘Eve, while following local and CDC protocols, Deadline reports. This will mark the 50th anniversary of Rockin ‘Eve, which has become the most watched New Year’s Eve show among the major networks. Seacrest was first hosted in 2005 and has been hosting solo since 2012. Last year’s show only had a handful of first responders.
This year’s special is slated to include the show’s very first Spanish-language countdown during part of the live broadcast from the Puerto Rick Convention Center, where Daddy Yankee will perform. This year’s artists include Avril Lavigne, Travis Barker, AJR, Big Boi, French Montana, Macklemore with Ryan Lewis, Måneskin, Masked Wolfe, Mae Miller, OneRepublic and Walker Hayes. LL Cool J and Billy Porter will perform from a riverboat on the Mississippi River. Journey, Karol G and R&B star Chloe will perform from New York.
New York officials have previously said those attending the Times Square balloon drop must show proof of vaccination, but the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant has put the event at risk. Authorities on Wednesday decided the event would continue, but only around 15,000 people will be allowed into an area that can typically accommodate 58,000 people. Party-goers will not be permitted to enter the area until 3:00 p.m. ET. Everyone will need to wear a face mask and show photo ID to enter, the mayor’s office said.
“This year’s holiday season may not be what we were hoping for, but we can still have a happy holiday season,” said city health commissioner Dr Dave A Chokshi, in Wednesday’s announcement. “All New Yorkers should get the vaccine and boost as soon as possible. Wear a quality face mask and stay home if you feel ill, no matter how mild your symptoms are. ”
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