Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
TT
20

Hugh Jackman Tests Positive for COVID, Pulls Out of ‘Music Man’ Shows

Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)
Hugh Jackman poses as he arrives for the 75th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, US, June 12, 2022. (Reuters)

Actor Hugh Jackman has had to back out of performing in Broadway show "The Music Man" for the next week after he tested positive for COVID-19 a second time.

The Australian star, 53, posted a video message on his Twitter page late on Monday. The news came a day after the "X-Men" and "The Greatest Showman" actor performed at the Tony Awards.

"I wanted you guys to hear it from me first that unfortunately this morning I have frustratingly tested positive for COVID again," said Jackman, who plays con man Harold Hill in the musical revival.

"So my incredible standby Max Clayton is going to go on for me. Max and I have been working together on this show for over two years... I can tell you from being in the room with him and from experience he's absolutely extraordinary so I'm just frustrated that I won't get to see him and cheer him on."

The production, showing at New York's Winter Garden Theatre, cancelled performances last December after Jackman contracted the virus.

"This is another reminder to me... that the real heroes of Broadway are our standbys, our understudies and swings and never has that been more obvious than in the past year," Jackman said.

"They give meaning to the phrase 'The show must go on' and it will go on and it will be amazing."

Jackman said he would be back as soon as possible. A post on the production's Twitter page said he would return on June 22.



No. 1 Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Featured on Andrea Bocelli's New Single

Italy's Jannik Sinner reacts during the men's singles tennis match against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublikin at the Halle Open ATP tennis tournament in Halle, on June 19, 2025. (Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN / AFP)
Italy's Jannik Sinner reacts during the men's singles tennis match against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublikin at the Halle Open ATP tennis tournament in Halle, on June 19, 2025. (Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN / AFP)
TT
20

No. 1 Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Featured on Andrea Bocelli's New Single

Italy's Jannik Sinner reacts during the men's singles tennis match against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublikin at the Halle Open ATP tennis tournament in Halle, on June 19, 2025. (Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN / AFP)
Italy's Jannik Sinner reacts during the men's singles tennis match against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublikin at the Halle Open ATP tennis tournament in Halle, on June 19, 2025. (Photo by CARMEN JASPERSEN / AFP)

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner is featured on Andrea Bocelli’s new single, “Dust and Glory” that was released Friday.

The song, which blends Italian and English, mixes Bocelli’s vocals with spoken verses from Sinner, The Associated Press reported.

It’s a tribute to the struggle and beauty of life’s journey, and “the fine line that turns dust into glory.”

There’s also an accompanying four-minute music video featuring private footage from the childhoods of both Italian stars, with current scenes filmed at Bocelli’s home in Tuscany.

“Talent doesn’t exist; it has to be earned,” Sinner says in the recording.

“Sharing this journey with Jannik was fascinating," Bocelli said. "We’re from different worlds but close in commitment and discipline in the constant search for authenticity and beauty. I have always been his fan, fascinated not only by his talent, but also by his humility and his inner strength.”

Sinner added: “I am very honored and happy to be part of this project with Andrea, who for 30 years has been a unique and extraordinary voice, a flag of our country in the world. I could never have imagined hearing my voice in one of his songs, all this is a strong emotion.”