As the clock winds down on 2025, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest returns with its most ambitious edition ever. Airing live tonight, December 31, on ABC, the iconic broadcast ushers in 2026 with an expanded runtime, a record-breaking lineup, and more cities than at any point in its five-decade history. For music fans and countdown traditionalists alike, this year’s event marks a major evolution of a New Year’s Eve institution.
The 2026 edition begins at 8:00 p.m. ET and runs until approximately 4:00 a.m. ET, making it the longest broadcast in the show’s history. The additional 90 minutes allow for expanded performances, multiple countdowns, and deeper coverage across time zones. In total, more than 40 artists will perform from stages set in New York’s Times Square, Chicago, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, and additional surprise locations, reinforcing the show’s position as the most expansive New Year’s Eve celebration on television.
Hosts
Ryan Seacrest returns for his 21st year as host, once again anchoring the festivities from Times Square. Joining him is Rita Ora, who co-hosts the New York segments and brings international pop star power to the broadcast. In a historic first, Chance the Rapper leads the program’s inaugural live Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago.
Las Vegas remains a centerpiece of the show’s late-night energy. Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski returns as host, joined this year by Julianne Hough, making her New Year’s Rockin’ Eve debut. Meanwhile, Roselyn Sánchez hosts from Puerto Rico.
Performers
The musical centerpiece of the night belongs to Diana Ross, who headlines with a special medley performance. Her set includes “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down,” the latter enjoying a major resurgence in 2025 after being featured prominently in season five of Stranger Things.
Beyond the headliner, the performer roster is the largest in the program’s history. Rock, pop, hip-hop, country, K-pop, and R&B all share the spotlight. Confirmed artists include Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Pitbull, 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, OneRepublic, Charlie Puth, Chappell Roan, AJR, LE SSERAFIM, New Kids on the Block, Ciara, Lil Jon, Zara Larsson, Madison Beer, Maren Morris, Goo Goo Dolls, The All-American Rejects, and Rick Springfield. Hip-hop is especially prominent, with DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, alongside performances by Chance the Rapper, BigXthaPlug, Leon Thomas, and 6lack.
Country fans are also well represented, with Little Big Town, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, and Jessie Murph appearing throughout the night. International and genre-blending acts, including LE SSERAFIM and KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X.
How to Watch
Viewers can watch the entire broadcast live on ABC, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. For those who miss the live event, the full program will be available to stream the following day on Hulu, extending the celebration well into New Year’s Day.
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