The program is an integral part of the BBC's New Year's Eve series, featuring unique performances from popular musicians and rising stars who will come together over the next 12 months.
But all is not as it seems; In fact, the show was filmed well before the big day and then broadcast as if it were broadcast live, with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne and a countdown to midnight.
In defense of the BBC, they previously described the show as “a perfect New Year's Eve party with a cast that would be absolutely impossible to pull off on 31 December”.
While many people already know the secret to Hootenanny, some viewers have just gotten the memo, and this time it's Sir Rod who's dishing out the game.
“Rod Stewart is currently performing live in Las Vegas,” user
In fact, for people in the UK, it was early 2023 when Maggie May's rocker rang in the New Year in Sin City on a CNN special.
“Wait, is Rod Stewart in Las Vegas or London?” I've seen her on two separate New Year's Eve shows #CNNNYE #hootenanny,” @fans81_football asked, while @dollynookat clarified: “She's not in #Hootenanny.”
Someone took a darker view of the whole idea, as @Rabidandy wrote: “Frustrating that #Jools Holland #Hootenanny was filmed in mid-December and presented as if it was live.
“I feel like I'm watching a lie.” What would happen if Rod Stewart died between filming and now? Be a little weird…
Another stunned viewer @AzariasTor added: '#Hottenani – It broke my heart when I learned that this was not a live broadcast, but was recorded at the beginning of the year. 'I'm so disappointed!'
Social media user @SteveOliver1963 didn't like this at all, writing: '#Hootenanny there are two songs. Will it be boogie woogie all night long? Moreover, the show is not even broadcast live. He will come back📴. 👎🏻'
While it makes perfect sense that Jools and the team would want the same amazing cast year after year, some viewers weren't really impressed with the delay.
“With all due respect to Rick Astley, #Hootenanny is ready because he couldn't last 30 minutes – I left when I saw them lining up to shoot the movie in November. Not streaming was completely pointless,” @MatthewRimmer complained.
@grizzpk shouted: “They act like it's 2024 when they're all recorded it makes me sick #Hootenanny.”
Jools' annual Hootenanny is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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