D-Nice says he “would have never imagined” co-hosting ABC’s ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

D-Nice is shocked to be hosting the Los Angeles portion of ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

“Just a moment ago, I had a moment of like, ‘Wow!’ Like I was sitting there looking at the chair and it said host and I was sitting in it … I would have never imagined being here,” he admitted to ABC Audio during NYRE rehearsals.

The DJ raved, “I grew up watching the show and when I was invited to deejay on the show last year I was excited. But to come back and to now be one of the hosts, it’s unbelievable. I’ve been on this journey for over 30 years in the music industry, and this is truly a highlight.”

The well-known disc jockey, born Derrick Jones, reflected on how the past few years led to this moment. “I’ve always had a great career … But there was something magical that happened during the dark time where I just played music for the world and didn’t ask for anything,” he said of launching the global phenomenon #ClubQuarantine during lockdown.

D-Nice continued, “It just goes to show you how just being nice and kind to people can go a long way when you do it authentically from the heart.”

And as for how he feels about working on New Year’s Eve, said D-Nice, “This doesn’t feel like work. This is a celebration of people. It’s a great way to end the year and start the new year.”

And while he’s thrilled to party it up in LA, he hopes to someday celebrate NYRE alongside Seacrest in his native New York.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023 will air December 31 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.