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Did Machine Gun Kelly lip-sync at 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'? Fans call him 'oscar the grouch'

Machine Gun Kelly fans weren't impressed with his live stage performance on ABC's annual New Year's show and some even branded it 'cringeworthy'

'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' returns for its annual live show like never before. This year, the show brings in a significantly smaller crowd due to Covid-19 for the first time in nearly five decades since its first episode. Ryan Seacrest continues to host the 2021 event, and is joined by co-hosts 'Pretty Little Liars' star Lucy Hale, Billy Porter and Ciara.

Seeing just a handful of attendees compared to previous years is surreal. Much of the crowd are frontline workers and first responders who are all wearing masks. It's a "very different vibe" as Hale describes it. 

This year 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' promised 37 performances from some of the most celebrated names in music, including Megan Thee Stallion, Machine Gun Kelly, Jenifer Lopez, Ella Mai, Saweetie, Noah Cyrus, Brandy, Doja Cat, Jimmie Allen, Maluma, Nelly, Julia Michaels, Noah Cyrus, En Vogue, Lewis Capaldi and more.

Miley Cyrus kicked off the show as the first performer, singing 'Party in the USA' before Nelly performed his classic 2002 hit 'Hot in Herre'. Before Doja Cat performed 'Like That', Machine Gun Kelly took to the open stage on the streets of Times Square to perform 'My Ex's Best Friend' and 'Bloody Valentine'.

Although it appears he didn't lip-sync for his performances, his vocals have become a subject of debate among fans with some calling it embarrassing. "MACHINE GUN KELLY DOES NOT SOUND GOOD LIVE OH MY GOD," wrote a fan in all caps, adding, "IM GETTING SECOND HAND EMBARRASSMENT-"

Several fans hopped on to the tweet to reply. "Yes I am a huge freaking MGK fan but he sounds amazing live and he puts on a great show I highly recommend you see him," commented a fan to which another replied, "I'm a huge fan too, his rapping is amazing. but he sung bloody valentine and my exes best friend and he sounded like oscar the grouch."

"I just listened and I wasn’t ready he wasn’t bad before he went with this style of music, but I haven’t seen him since 12/23/2011," wrote a fan. One fan noted, "the ending when he said “happy new year” and no one answered was so awkward like help." Another fan described it as a "Cringeworthy performance."