‘SNL’ gives Morgan Wallen a second chance after singer’s COVID-related cancellation

“Saturday Night Live� is giving country singer Morgan Wallen a do-over after booting him from its Oct. 10 lineup over COVID-19 safety concerns.

The “More Than My Hometown� singer will return to the sketch-comedy series for its Dec. 5 show, hosted by Jason Bateman. Wallen was replaced in October by Jack White after video clips surfaced on social media showing him partying mask-free amid tightly packed crowds in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

“Let’s try this again,� Wallen tweeted Wednesday, right after “SNL� tweeted out its planned hosts and guests for next month.

In an apology video on Instagram after his cancellation, a contrite Wallen — who recently won new artist of the year at the 2020 CMA Awards — said “SNL� honcho Lorne Michaels let him know they would find another time to make up the appearance.

“My actions this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and they have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams,� the 27-year-old said in the Oct. 7 video, adding that he respected the show’s decision regarding the COVID-19 transmission risk he would have presented.

“And on a more personal note,� he added, “I think I have some growing up to do.

“I think I’ve lost myself a little bt. I’m trying to find joy in the wrong places and it’s left me with less joy. ... I’m going to take a step back from the spotlight for a little while and go work on myself.�

“Saturday Night Live� also announced hosts and musical guests for the rest of its December shows: Timothée Chalamet and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band on Dec. 12 and Kristen Wiig with Dua Lipa on Dec. 19.