New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Returns with Star-Studded Lineup
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest is all set to be the most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration in the U.S., promising a memorable night filled with performances and excitement. This year, the show looks to surpass its predecessors with an expanded program that will feature a diverse array of artists and live celebrations from multiple locations.
Ryan Seacrest’s Milestone Hosting Role
Ryan Seacrest, who has become synonymous with the event, will return as host for his 20th consecutive year. He made his debut alongside the legendary Dick Clark back in 2005. This year, fans will see him co-hosting live from Times Square along with singer Rita Ora. At midnight, viewers will be treated to the sight of a new “Constellation Ball” dropping, marking the arrival of 2026.
Expanding the Celebration to New Cities
For the first time, Chicago will join the festivities, expanding the New Year’s portfolio. Additionally, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico will participate, each bringing their local flair to the nationwide celebration.
Performers Set to Light Up the Stage
This year’s lineup boasts a variety of performers spread across different cities. Among the co-hosts, Chance the Rapper will take the reins in Chicago, bringing local DJs, spoken word artists, and blues musicians to the forefront. In Las Vegas, fans can look forward to Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough guiding viewers through the festivities, while Roselyn Sanchez will broadcast from Puerto Rico.
Music fans will be treated to a lineup that includes legendary artists. Diana Ross will headline the event, performing iconic hits like “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down,” songs that recently gained renewed popularity after appearing in the hit series Stranger Things.
An Eclectic Mix of Artists
The performance roster includes a variety of well-known and up-and-coming artists. Expect performances from 50 Cent, AJR, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Mariah Carey, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Post Malone, 4 Non Blondes, Ciara, Goo Goo Dolls, Jessie Murph, LE SSERAFIM, Lil Jon, Madison Beer, Maren Morris, and New Kids on the Block. This year’s broadcast aims to be the longest and most comprehensive yet, airing live across four time zones while keeping Times Square at its heart.
New Visual Experience for Midnight
The introduction of the “Constellation Ball” is set to change the visual landscape of the traditional ball drop. While the core idea remains intact, viewers can expect a fresh interpretation that will enhance the midnight moment.
Celebrating Two Decades of Seacrest
As Ryan Seacrest marks his two decades with the event, ABC plans to highlight this milestone throughout the evening. His role has been instrumental in bridging audiences from different generations, further enriching the New Year’s celebration experience.
How to Catch All the Action
Fans eager to join the celebration can tune in live on ABC at 8 PM ET on December 31. The broadcast will continue through the night until 4 AM ET on January 1. For those who miss the live event, Hulu will offer a full streaming option the following day, making it accessible to everyone keen on partaking in this beloved New Year tradition.
