All the Musicians Who Have Spoken Out About Having Coronavirus

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage as new variants pop up, the rich and famous aren’t staying quiet about their diagnoses. Instead, celebrities are speaking out on social media not only to keep fans informed but, in some cases, to urge followers to stay home in order to help reduce the risk of transmission.

Bold-faced names from professional athletes (Kevin Durant) to politicians (Miami’s Mayor Francis Suarez) to big- and small-screen stars (Daniel Dae Kim) and even royals (Prince Albert II) are among those who have opened up about having tested positive for COVID-19. Musicians have been no different, sharing tales of their symptoms and quarantine.

Here are the artists who have opened up about having the coronavirus.

LL Cool J

The rapper was originally scheduled to perform at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2022, but announced that he’d be pulling out of the show on Wednesday (Dec. 29) after learning he tested positive for COVID-19.

“I know it’s disappointing to the millions of fans but my test came back positive for COVID, which means I’ll no longer be able to perform as scheduled at NYRE,” LL Cool J said in a statement to Billboard. “We were ready and I was really looking forward to ringing in 2022 in my hometown in a special way, but for now I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The best is yet to come!”

Paul Stanley

The KISS lead singer shared on Dec. 27 in an Instagram post that he was going through his second round of COVID-19 in sixth months after contracting the Omicron variant of the virus. “My Omicron face! Yup. My entire family has it. I’m tired and have sniffles,” he captioned a closeup photo of himself. “Most of my family have absolutely no symptoms. Do as you choose. I’m so glad I’m vaccinated.”

Hugh Jackman

Jackman, current star of Broadway’s revival of The Music Man, revealed he tested positive for COVID-19 in an Instagram video. “I just wanted you to hear from me that I tested positive this morning for Covid,” he said. “My symptoms are like a cold: I have a scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose, but I’m fine. And I’m just going to do everything I can to get better, A.S.A.P., and as soon as I’m cleared, I’ll be back onstage.”

Following Jackman’s post, The Music Man‘s official Instagram account told fans that shows will resume on Jan. 2, with Jackman’s return scheduled for Jan. 6.

Brian May

The Queen guitarist shared on Dec. 18, 2021, that after attending a birthday party recently, he had tested positive for COVID-19. “The shocking day finally came for me. The dreaded double red line,” May wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of his test results. “And yes — definitely NO sympathy please — it has been a truly horrible few days, but I’m OK.” On Dec. 20, the rocker — who is vaccinated and has received his booster shot, added in a lengthy post that “the battle inside my body is still in progress.”

Lil Nas X

Days after canceling an appearance at the U.K. Jingle Ball due to a positive test in his camp, the artist tweeted — then deleted — a series of messages in which he said he had contracted the coronavirus. “Started running around the house when I saw this then i remembered i have covid lol,” he shared on Dec. 17, 2021, in response to Barack Obama’s tweet listing Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” as one of his favorite songs of 2021.

Charlie Puth

The “Attention” singer told fans on Dec. 16, 2021, that he had contracted the virus. “I’m not feeling amazing but I think the worst is behind me,” he tweeted. “I write you this update, feeling like complete a–, in hopes that you will be safe and careful this holiday season.”

Brett Eldredge

The country artist, who was vaccinated in April, shared in an Instagram video Dec. 16, 2021, that he was experiencing a breakthrough case of COVID-19. He recalled feeling like he “had a cold or something the last few days,” and after several tests, the most recent gave a positive result. Eldredge had to reschedule two Chicago shows due to his diagnosis.

Billie Eilish

The teen pop star revealed during her Dec. 13, 2021, interview with Howard Stern that despite being vaccinated, she had experienced a breakthrough case. “I didn’t die, and I wasn’t gonna die, but that does not take away from how miserable it was. It was terrible. I still have side effects. I was sick for two months almost,” she explained to the shock jock. “I want it to be clear that it is because of the vaccine I’m fine. I think if I weren’t vaccinated, I would have died, because it was bad … When I say it was bad, I more just mean that it felt horrible.

Doja Cat

After pulling out of two Jingle Ball tour dates due to crew members testing positive, the star shared on Dec. 12 that she, too, had tested positive. “While my spirits are down since I can’t be there to celebrate the holiday with my fans in Philly, DC, Atlanta and Miami, I’m doing ok and look forward to recovering and getting back out there as soon as I can!” she told fans on social media.

Bryan Adams

The singer was hospitalized in Italy in November after contracting COVID for a second time. “Here I am, just arrived in Milano, and I’ve tested positive for the second time in a month for Covid,” he wrote on Instagram, posted from Milan Malpensa airport. “So it’s off to the hospital for me.”

Ed Sheeran

On Oct. 24, a week ahead of his new album’s arrival, the singer-songwriter revealed that he had tested positive. “I’m now unable to plough ahead with any in person commitments for now, so I’ll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances I can from my house,” he shared. He later revealed that his young daughter had also contracted the virus.

Serj Tankian 

The System of a Down frontman tested positive in mid October, resulting in the postponement of two shows. “Despite multiple precautionary measures, Serj has unfortunately tested positive for COVID,” the band shared. “We’re sorry to disappoint our amazing fans with this last minute news. The health of our band, crew, venue staff, and all of our fans is our top priority.”

Ray Luzier

Korn’s drummer contracted the virus, the band announced in mid October. “We are anticipating a quick recovery for Ray,” reads an update on the official Korn accounts, “and he should be back to play the Los Angeles shows with us.”

Kelly Price

The Grammy-nominated singer told TMZ Sept. 26, 2021, that she had a serious case of COVID-19 that not only landed her in the hospital, but was near fatal. “At one point, they lost me,” Price said of when she was hospitalized. “I died.” She went on to explain that though she’s home now, she has long-haul COVID. “I am facing a very uphill battle right now. … I suffered a lot of internal damage, and so I have a lot of rehabbing to do.”

Nas

The rapper revealed in his October 2021 Ebony cover story that he had contracted the virus in October of 2020. “It was a tough time. It was mentally and physically hard,” he shared of his bout with COVID-19. “It’s just today’s world, with chemical warfare, crazy politics, racism, food shortages, police malpractice, Black-on-Black murder. The human spirit is being tested. I think that God has a plan for all of this. But right now, we’re in a serious time.”

Gene Simmons

Days after Kiss announced that its vocalist had tested positive for coronavirus, the band shared that their bassist had also contracted the virus. “Gene Simmons has now tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms,” Kiss said Aug. 31, 2021. The statement also noted that the band’s next four shows would be postponed while the rockers and the crew isolate at home.

Paul Stanley

The Kiss frontman announced on Aug. 26 that he had test positive for COVID-19. “I had been sick with flu-like symptoms and was tested repeatedly and was negative,” he shared. “As of late this afternoon I tested positive. The crew, staff and band have all tested negative once again.” The band immediately postponed the night’s show, and has since postponed another.

Hilary Duff

The singer-actress revealed on Instagram Stories Aug. 20, 2021, that she had a breakthrough infection. “Symptoms: bad headache. No taste or smell. Sinus Pressure. Brain fog. Happy to be vaxxed,” she shared.

Corey Taylor

The Slipknot singer revealed in a Facebook post Aug. 20, 2021, he had contracted COVID-19 despite having gotten his shots. “I woke up today and tested positive and I’m very, very sick,” he shared. “I’m vaccinated so I’m not worried but I certainly wouldn’t want to spread it to anyone else.”

Drake

Drizzy revealed to fans on Aug. 16, 2021, in a comment on a fan account that he had contracted the virus. “I had Covid that s— grew in weird I had to start again,” he wrote in response to a photo of the heart shaved into his hair growing in. “It’s coming back don’t diss.”

Jonathan Davis

Korn announced on Aug. 16, 2021, that their frontman had tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the cancellation of two shows, and the rescheduling of six others. Assured the rockers, “Jonathan’s spirits are high, and he’s resting and recovering now.”

Jim Jones

The rapper shared in an Instagram video Aug. 16, 2021, that he had contracted the virus. “I was running around thinking I was Superman, and COVID knocked the socks off Superman,” he said. “So I urge and encourage everybody: Please continue to mask up, please continue with hand sanitizer, social distance as much as you can … try to stay away from a lot of packed and crowded places. This s— is no joke.”

Leigh Kakaty

Pop Evil announced on Aug. 16, 2021, that the group’s singer had taken two COVID tests, and that both came back positive. The band postponed several shows and told fans, “Leigh is already feeling much better and will be back on his feet in no time.”

Mark Chesnutt

The country singer revealed on Aug. 15 that he and his wife had contracted the coronavirus. “Just wanted to give everyone a little update. I am currently on the mend from my back surgery. But, while doing so my wife Tracie and I have tested positive for Covid-19!” he tweeted.

John Bell

Widespread Panic announced on Aug. 13, 2021, that frontman John Bell had tested positive. The diagnosis resulted in the band’s Austin City Limits Live shows scheduled for Aug. 13-15 to be postponed until October.

DJ Khaled

The artist-producer shared with fans in an Aug. 12, 2021, Instagram post that he and his family had contracted COVID-19 and recovered. “My family and I recovered from COVID and we’re all good now!!” he said. “Please be safe out there! Please take care of yourself.”

Bruce Dickinson

The Iron Maiden singer revealed to Rolling Stone that though he was fully vaccinated, he had tested positive for coronavirus. “I was kind of sneezing a bit. For a couple of days, I felt a bit groggy, kind of like the flu, and that was it,” he shared. “I’ve pretty much got no doubt that had I not had the vaccine, I could be in serious trouble.”

The Kid LAROI

The Australian teen celebrated his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 (“Stay” with Justin Bieber) by sharing his gratitude and excitement on Instagram. But in that same post, he revealed that he has been in lockdown due to contracting coronavirus.

“This is not only a big moment for me, but a really big moment for Australia. growing up all I ever wanted to do was ‘make it big’ in America and show everyone what we have to offer,” he captioned his post. “it’s been a while since I’ve been back home because of COVID (which I currently have rn and have been locked in a room for the past 7 days) but truuust me I been there in spirit lol.”

Frank Hannon

Tesla’s guitarist shared in an Aug. 8 Instagram post that he had tested positive as the band was ready to kick off its tour. “I’ve not been able to move all week in pain,” shared Hannon, who has been vaccinated. “the day the bus was leaving I woke up w 102 fever, shakes and couldn’t hardly breathe. So I stayed home. I’ve been unable to hardly move or function since.”

Rickey Medlocke

Lynryd Skynyrd’s guitarist tested positive for the virus, resulting in the band pulling out of its scheduled Pro Football Hall of Fame concert. “Rickey is home resting and responding well to treatment,” the band’s statement said.

Sebastian Bach

The Skid Row frontman shared in an Aug. 6 video that he had tested positive for the coronavirus even though he received his Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March. He credited the shot with helping him avoid serious symptoms, and said he feels “totally great.”

Wiz Khalifa

The rapper shared in a tweet on July 14 that he had contracted the coronavirus. “Okay loved ones….sooo…..Ya boy got covid. No symptoms. Just stay away from me for a lil while,” he wrote. Wiz also promised in a second message that he’d be productive with his time at home by “readying this new project.”

Rikki Rocket

The Poison drummer revealed in a video July 13, 2021, that he tested positive for COVID-19 despite having been fully vaccinated for months. Rocket shared that he didn’t know if he has the Delta variant, but said his doctors believe he has “every hallmark of being the variant.”

Matt Heafy

The frontman for Trivium revealed in a July 4, 2021, Instagram post that he had contracted the coronavirus. “Went from a non-vaccinated person to Ashley (vaccinated) to the kids (unvaccinated) to me (vaccinated),” he shared. “Thankfully due to being vaccinated it merely feels like a tour cold; my dad however got sick without a vaccine and is now 12 weeks into a very terrible recovery with lung/ heart/ liver issues. I outta be good in a day or two.”

Harry Judd

The McFly drummer revealed on Instagram April 19 that he and his wife were battling COVID-19. “Mild flu symptoms and everything smells like vinegar!” he shared.

Ted Nugent

The singer-songwriter, who has been a vocal coronavirus denier and declared he would not take the vaccine, announced on April 19 in a Facebook video that he had tested positive for COVID-19 that day. “Everybody told me that I should not announce this. I have had flu symptoms for the last 10 days. I thought I was dying,” he said. “I’ve got a stuffed up head, body aches. My God, what a pain in the a–. I literally could hardly crawl out of bed the last few days.”

Luke Bryan

The country star and American Idol judge announced on April 12 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and would be sitting out his duties on the singing competition first live show of the season. “I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show,” he tweeted. “I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.” He added in an interview with Extra a few days later, “I was very fortunate to not have a long set of symptoms. … It was still quite challenging for a couple of days.”

Jessica Simpson

The singer revealed on March 29 that she had previously tested positive for the coronavirus. She shared the news on Instagram while announcing her new Amazon Original Stories essay titled “Take the Lead.” “I started writing this essay on the same day I received a positive test result for COVID-19,” she wrote. “I decided instead of being driven by fear, I would manifest a hopeful conversation with you.”

Lauren Alaina

The American Idol alum canceled her March 20, 2021, concert after testing positive for COVID-19. “Some people have it way worse than me, so I just have a little bit of shortness of breath, a really bad headache, no taste or smell, pretty bad congestion and I feel pretty tired,” she shared on her Instagram Stories. “But I overall feel like it’s going to be OK.”

Trisha Yearwood

A health update from the country music superstar and husband Garth Brooks on Feb. 24 noted that the power couple began quarantining at home following positive coronavirus test by a member of their team.

Brooks tested negative. “Anyone who knows me knows my world begins and ends with Miss Yearwood, so she and I will ride through this together,” he continued, noting that he’ll be spending some time laying low, pausing his weekly Inside Studio G conversation on Facebook for the time being. “And anyone who knows her knows she’s a fighter and she’s been doing everything right, so I know we’ll walk out the other side of this thing together.”

Alice Cooper

The rocker shared with fans in a February 2021 video that he was getting his vaccine. But not only that, he also revealed he had previously contracted COVID-19. “We’re out here getting vaccinated,” he said. “We’ve already had COVID but we got vaccinated anyways.”

DJ Spinderella

Deidra Roper — better known as Salt-N-Pepa’s DJ Spinderella — revealed to Billboard in an interview about the likelihood of the Grammy-winning group reuniting that she contracted COVID-19. “I feel like I may have had it, like, when it first dropped on us. But I had COVID over the holiday — Thanksgiving — and it was rough, but thank God I made it through.”

Maynard James Keenan

The Tool frontman has battled COVID-19 twice. He first told