Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (NYRE) It is set to air on ABC for the 53rd year in a row this month, with several high-profile musical performances and Ryan Seacrest as host. NYRE has been the No. 1 New Year's Eve special since 1977, when it surpassed Guy Lombardo's long-running New Year's specials on CBS. Clark conceived of NYRE as a younger, trendier alternative to the Lombardo program, emphasizing pop music over big bands.
Ryan Seacrest will host the special, as he has for several years now, since an ailing Clark passed the torch to him in 2005. The special, like all New Year's festivities, represents a time of togetherness, reflection, and hope, when viewers say goodbye to the ups and downs of the past and look forward to a promising future.
Diana Ross will headline New Year's Rockin' Eve
AP News reports that Diana Ross will headline this year and is set to perform several hits, including I'm Coming Out and Upside Down. The special, which airs at 8:00 p.m. EST, will be a telecast featuring 39 musical artists total and spanning several locations, including New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, and more.
"Together we begin a new year. Let's embrace a new beginning, new opportunities, new joy — a celebration of love, where we all come together as we begin 2026," said Ross in a statement. Musical guests include Mariah Carey, Post Malone, Demi Lovato, 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, Pitbull, and Ciara, among others.
Rita Ora will co-host the New Year's Eve special alongside Seacrest in New York City at Times Square, while Chance the Rapper will host from his native Chicago. Julianne Hough will co-host alongside former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski in Las Vegas. Additional musical guests include Maren Morris, OneRepublic, Goo Goo Dolls, Lil Jon, Little Big Town, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, Jordan Davis, 6lack, The All-American Rejects, Rick Springfield, and the voices of KPop Demon Hunters.
Diana Ross has been touring in 2025, will continue into 2026
Ross, who will turn 82 in March, wrapped up her 2025 Reflections, Magic & Memories tour this month with two sold-out shows at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA, and has announced additional tour dates for 2026 following her upcoming NYRE performance. Her 2026 concert locations include Abu Dhabi, UAE (Jan. 9), Las Vegas, NV (Feb. 12, 14, and 15), Temecula, CA (Feb. 17), and Chandler, AZ (Feb. 20 and 21).
It's an impressive schedule for any octogenarian, but it makes sense when you remember that The Supremes are the No. 1 chart-topping girl group of all time, according to Billboard. Diana Ross's work ethic and love of her craft are what made her the cultural icon she is today; no doubt she has an incredible performance prepared for New Year's Eve.
New Year's Rockin' Eve kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 31.