It was clear from the beginning that there would be nothing normal about tonight’s live 2020 Emmy Awards ceremony, broadcast half from an empty Los Angeles Staples Center and half out of celebrities’ homes. But to make things stranger yet, veteran E! News red-carpet host Giuliana Rancic also won’t be there to interview the nominees after learning that she and her family have contracted coronavirus.
Rancic announced via video during E!’s live pre-show, “As I go into my 20th year on the E! red carpet, I have to say I do not take missing an award show lightly, but unfortunately this year is just so different. As part of E! and NBCUniversal’s very strict testing guidelines, especially before an event like this, I did find out that I tested positive for COVID-19.”
“As much as I didn’t want to hear that, I’m very thankful I heard it before I traveled and possibly could have exposed other people,” she added. “So for that, I’m thankful. As far as my health, I’m doing well. My husband Bill and our son also did test positive, but we’re all doing well and taking care of each other.” Rancic concluded, “I just want to say I’m wishing you all the best. Please protect yourselves, and protect those around you. Take good care, and I’ll see you on the next red carpet.”
She’s not the only one missing tonight’s awards. Vivica A. Fox also had to cancel her appearance on the pre-show after testing positive, saying in a statement read on the program, “During these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever that we follow all safety and health rules and guidelines to protect ourselves and each other.”
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