NEWS
Daddy Yankee photographed on Sept. 22, 2021 at the Faena Forum in Miami.
Mary Beth KoethTwo months after announcing that Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 will host its first-ever Spanish-language countdown live from Puerto Rico, Billboard can unveil the first confirmed guests.
ABC and MRC Live & Alternative announced Tuesday (Dec. 7) that the 50th annual televised celebration will feature global Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee with a hometown performance in his native San Juan, as well as actress and singer Roselyn Sanchez as one of the co-hosts to oversee the end of year festivities on the island.
The inaugural Spanish-language countdown, which coincides with the celebration of San Juan’s 500th anniversary of its founding, is set to take place on the grounds of the Puerto Rico Convention Center and DISTRITO T-Mobile with host Seacrest overseeing New Year’s festivities in Times Square.
“We are very excited to host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 on our island and to count on this high-caliber event to project the greatness of Puerto Rico and our people,” said Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi in a statement. “This celebration not only allows Puerto Ricans to enjoy this great historic event; it also speaks to diverse communities around the world that our Island is ready to receive tourism and foster economic development. We have so much to offer as a destination, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will be a testament to all that Puerto Rico has to offer.”
Additionally, Grammy-winning superstar Ciara will celebrate her fifth year taking over the Los Angeles party with music by DJ D-Nice. Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning actor Billy Porter will co-host the Central Time Zone countdown from New Orleans. Liza Koshy, who was the show’s correspondent in 2019, will make her return alongside Seacrest in New York. And, for the third consecutive year, Jessie James Decker will return as the Powerball correspondent.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022 will air live on Friday, Dec. 31, starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Puerto Rico’s countdown is set for 11 p.m. ET.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest is produced by MRC Live & Alternative, which is owned by MRC. MRC and Penske Media are co-parent companies of Billboard.
DragonForce have officially introduced Alissa White-Gluz as the band’s newest vocalist, revealing that the former Arch Enemy singer will now perform alongside longtime frontman Marc Hudson as the group moves into a new era.
Her debut performances with the band are happening soon, with White-Gluz set to appear at Florida’s Welcome To Rockville this weekend before joining DragonForce again at Ohio’s Sonic Temple the following week.
The upcoming concerts are part of the celebration marking 20 years since the release of Inhuman Rampage, the 2005 record that pushed DragonForce into worldwide metal success.
The group also revealed that this new version of the band has already started creating new music, hinting at an exciting new direction for the future.
Founding guitarist Herman Li described White-Gluz joining the band as an important new chapter for DragonForce.
He explained: “Alissa joining the band is an expansion of everything we’ve done up to this point."
Li also shared that even after two decades together, the band still feels inspired to keep evolving.
He said: “Together we will honour what made Inhuman Rampage matter, while showing people exactly where we’re going next… She doesn’t just sing, she makes all aspects of our music better. And she sounds incredible live!”
White-Gluz opened up about how excited she is to take on the new role, saying the collaboration already feels creatively rewarding and refreshing.
She said: “I am beyond excited to be bringing such iconic music to life with these amazingly skilled musicians.
“It feels great to showcase all the colours of my voice… in technically challenging, deeply energising, highly addictive songs.”
She also spoke about the continued support from fans over the years and how much it motivates her moving forward.
She said: “I want to keep pushing my boundaries and delivering exceptional music and live experiences to the fans that I cherish so much.”
The news follows a major transition period for White-Gluz, who officially exited Arch Enemy in November before releasing her debut solo single The Room Where She Died later that same day.
White-Gluz spent 12 years as part of the Swedish melodic death metal outfit.
The band's social media statement regarding her exit read: “Arch Enemy have parted ways with singer Alissa White-Gluz. We’re thankful for the time and music we’ve shared and wish her all the best. Wherever there is an ending, there is also a beginning. See you in 2026.”
White-Gluz wrote in her own statement: "After 12 years in Arch Enemy, we have parted ways. I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastligns! I can’t wait to share what I have been working on with you all (some big surprises in store). Stay tuned for big news in 2026 and see you very soon."
White-Gluz’s position in Arch Enemy was later filled by One Human musician Lauren Hart.
