As the clock winds down on another year, all eyes turn once again to New York City’s Times Square for a night that promises plenty of fanfare. ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” is gearing up to deliver incredible live performances from a diverse mix of chart-topping artists that will bridge generations and genres for millions of viewers.
This year’s group of performers is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, setting the tone for the rest of 2026.
Who Will Be Headlining ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ This Year?
GettyThe legendary Diana Ross has been named the headliner, topping what producers say is one of the most expansive performer lineups in the show’s history, according to ABC7 NY.
The pop icon will perform a medley of hits on New Year’s Eve in New York City including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down,” anchoring a telecast with artists appearing across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, 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,” Ross said in a statement.
GettyLast year, Carrie Underwood was the Times Square headliner. The broadcast drew more than 29 million total viewers at midnight, according to Billboard.
Who Will Be the Other Featured Performers This Year?
In addition to Ross, the other Times Square performers this year include Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris.
West Coast performers include 4 Non Blondes, 50 Cent, 6lack, AJR, The All-American Rejects, BigXthaPlug, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, Goo Goo Dolls, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, KPop Demon Hunters: The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI), Leon Thomas, Mariah Carey, Madison Beer, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull joined by Lil Jon and Filmore, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore, and Zara Larsson.
Reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee will perform in Puerto Rico. Additional performances include Chappell Roan from Kansas City and Post Malone from Nashville. Chicago host Chance the Rapper will also perform with special guest Jamila Woods.
Who Will Be Hosting This Year?
Getty“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will once again lead the show for New York viewers, along with British singer-songwriter Rita Ora. Seacrest has helmed the annual broadcast in New York City’s Times Square since 2005.
Grammy-winning artist and former “The Voice” coach Chance the Rapper will co-host live from Chicago.
In Las Vegas, NFL legend Rob Gronkowski will host alongside Dancing with the Stars‘ Julianne Hough, who will be making her “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” co-hosting debut.
Actress and producer Roselyn Sánchez will lead Puerto Rico’s celebration.
The History of ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’
GettyIn 1972, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” (NYRE) was created by Clark (known as the host of American Bandstand) as a way to compete with Guy Lombardo’s long-running New Year’s Eve specials and appeal to a younger audience, according to Remind Magazine.
The first two years were hosted by Three Dog Night and George Carlin, with Clark anchoring coverage from Times Square. When the show moved to ABC in 1974, Clark took over as host. In December 2004, Clark suffered a stroke. Due to lingering speech impediments from the stroke, Clark ceded hosting duties to Seacrest the following year, but he continued to make limited appearances on the show until his passing in April 2012.
Since 2000, the special has broadcast segments in prime time in addition to the late-night broadcast, initially occupying the 10 p.m. ET/PT hour. Since 2011, the special has represented the entirety of ABC’s primetime schedule on New Year’s Eve.
According to Billboard, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2023” attracted 13.8 million total viewers, drawing 17.9 million total viewers and hitting a 5.34 Adult 18-49 rating in the midnight quarter-hour. The show has been the top-rated New Year’s Eve programming special for more than 30 years.
