Saturday Night Live: Jack White replaces Morgan Wallen as musical guest after country star broke coronavirus rules

Wallen’s appearance was cancelled after he was filmed partying without social distancing

Jack White has stepped in to replace Morgan Wallen as the musical guest on this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, after the country singer’s appearance was cancelled over Covid-19 protocols.

SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels announced in a segment that aired on NBC News’ Today on Friday that White has been booked for Saturday’s show, adding that “there could be some other stuff” coming.

“Calling somebody on a Thursday to be here for Friday is, you know, is complicated,” Michaels said. “It has to be people who are ready to go.”

White has been featured as a musical guest on SNL on three different occasions in the past – once with The White Stripes and twice solo. Michaels praised the musician on Friday for having been “always good on the show”.

Wallen announced on Wednesday that his slot on SNL had been cancelled after he was filmed partying without social distancing, which goes against safety protocols during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I got a call from the show letting me know that I will no longer be able to play, and that’s because of Covid protocols, which I understand,” he explained in a video on Instagram.

“I’m not positive for Covid but my actions this past weekend were pretty shortsighted and they have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams.”

Michaels said on Friday that Wallen “probably isn't the first country singer ever, the first person from rock 'n' roll who partied after a big game, in that case, a football game, or a concert”.

“But we're just living in a different time, and everything is scrutinized,” he added.

SNL returned on 3 October for a 46th season, with Chris Rock as host and Megan Thee Stallion as musical guest. The show’s 45th season ended with three remote episodes between April and May due to the pandemic.

Saturday’s episode will be hosted by Bill Burr.