Round two! A full year after a disastrous showing on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” Mariah Carey is gearing up for another go at the yearly tradition.
The singer broke the news on Twitter, posting simply: “Take 2. #RockinEve #NYE.”
In a shared statement released to the Associated Press, Carey and program producers confirmed they had buried the hatchet and intended to make this year’s broadcast count. “Last year’s show didn’t quite unfold the way any of us hoped, and we’re absolutely delighted to team up again and give viewers a fantastic evening of song and festivity on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018,'” the joint message read. “Catch us in Times Square!”
During the 2016 broadcast, Carey’s set was plagued by sound problems, and she grew visibly frustrated on camera. At one stage, she told the audience: “We skipped the soundcheck on this one, so let’s just point out — the track hit No. 1. That’s the takeaway… Some of my vocal is missing here, but what can you do.” Moments later, she vented: “I deserve a break too. Am I not allowed one? I’m genuinely trying to stay upbeat about all this.”
In the aftermath of the chaotic moment, Carey dismissed her longtime creative director and pointed the finger at the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” production team. “They sabotaged me,” she claimed. “As a result, they managed to turn the whole thing into a chance to embarrass both me and every fan who was looking forward to counting down the new year alongside me. I’ll get into all of it properly at some point for anyone interested in the full story.”
Since those events, Carey has split from former manager Stella Bulochnikov and inked a deal with Roc Nation. “There was a whole swarm of people tied to her career before, and Mariah barely even knew who half of them were,” a source close to the situation shared. “She needed to cut ties with all of that and is essentially starting fresh.”
Broadcasting live from Times Square, Carey will share the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” lineup with fellow performers Camila Cabello, Nick Jonas, and Sugarland. The special is scheduled to air on December 31 on ABC.
