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Chris BernstenABC has announced the “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia will host the Central Time Zone celebration of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021 — live from New Orleans.
According to a press release, the “Karaoke” rapper plans to give viewers a look at the arts, culture, and local scene in her hometown that define the city’s historical influence, leading up to the stunning fleur-de-lis drop at midnight.
Meanwhile, Grammy-winning R&B singer and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton will showcase the city’s musical influence with a performance of the New Year’s classic “Auld Lang Syne.”
“We are beyond excited that Big Freedia and PJ Morton, two of New Orleans’ brightest musical lights, will be shining for our city and before the entire world as we ring in the new year,” says city Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. “Even though we won’t be watching this performance in person, we will be watching from the safety of our homes as Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021 rings in the new year with that special New Orleans flavor.”
This year’s event “will employ nearly 70 local crew members, many of whom have been shut out of production jobs due to the pandemic,” says Cantrell, with hopes to remind the world “that New Orleans will be the safest place to visit and enjoy our music and culture in 2021.”
Big Freedia joins previously announced hosts, Ryan Seacrest, Lucy Hale and Billy Porter and headline performer Jennifer Lopez, who will bring in the New Year from Times Square in NYC. Grammy-winning singer Ciara will host the Los Angeles celebration, where Ella Mai, Megan Thee Stallion, Brandy, Saweetie and more will perform.
Dick Clark’s annual celebration begins airing on December 31 at 8 p.m. ET. on ABC.
By Rachel George
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