Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has been a touchstone for America’s New Year’s celebration for many years. But like many other live television events, glitches and faux pas can happen in real time.
Viewers of this year’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve certainly witnessed this, as some technical problem occurred during Mariah Carey’s performance, leading her to not perform her planned three-song set and walk off the stage. At least, according to Carey. The singer has blamed the gaffe on a faulty earpiece that was failed to be fixed before the show. Because of this, Carey also notes that technical issues and the inability to hear the music was the cause of her shortened performance.
However, Variety reports that Dick Clark productions have a different view of the matter. The company released a statement late Sunday, which read: “As the premier producer of live television events for nearly 50 years, we pride ourselves on our reputation and long-standing relationships with artists. To suggest that DCP, as producer of music shows including the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and Academy of Country Music Awards, would ever intentionally compromise the success of any artist is defamatory, outrageous and frankly absurd.”
The statement went on to acknowledge Carey’s claims about faulty technology: “In very rare instances there are of course technical errors that can occur with live television, however, an initial investigation has indicated that (Dick Clark Productions) had no involvement in the challenges associated with Ms. Carey’s New Year’s Eve performance. We want to be clear that we have the utmost respect for Ms. Carey as an artist and acknowledge her tremendous accomplishments in the industry.”
You can watch Mariah Carey’s performance here: