There are so many things to look forward to ahead of the holiday season, including the ever-popular “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” television special. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will be at the helm once again for the 2025-2026 special, and he has been for two decades. Shortly before Thanksgiving, the star took to Instagram with a special teaser clip.
In the video, Seacrest dons a dapper suit and bowtie, as well as some funky 2026 glasses. “The party’s just getting started,” the host proclaimed in the video. Fans flocked to the comments section to make their guesses about who might be co-hosting the event this year, and the since-revealed list has only added to the excitement.
Seacrest Will Have Plenty of Star Power By His Side
Getty“New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” brings out some of the biggest names in show business, and this year is no exception. As The Hollywood Reporter shared, several ultra-famous faces will share hosting duties with Seacrest. Co-hosts come from all around the country, covering the festivities in different time zones. As of November 24th, 2025, Chance the Rapper was slotted to ring in the new year live from Chicago.
“Dancing With The Stars” alum Julianne Hough was set to take up the mantle in Las Vegas for her first-ever turn at hosting the annual event, but she wouldn’t be alone. Instead, the schedule included NFL star Rob Gronkowski standing by her side in Sin City. Of course, Seacrest wouldn’t be taking on his Times Square duties alone, either; Rita Ora would join him for one of the biggest nights of the year. Fans will have to wait and see who else joins the party this year!
The ‘American Idol’ Host Revealed the True Power of NYE
Hosting “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” has been a major part of Seacrest’s career. Unsurprisingly, those decades of watching the ball drop have left him with countless memories. For example, the conditions in Times Square are an important part of each year’s celebration. “The weather is always a great memory because it creates a story,” Seacrest told Good Morning America in 2024. “When it is challenging outside, it makes for a little more fun.”
Of course, the special is about so much more than just the weather, and Seacrest still loves the main event after 20 years. “I look forward to it, I get excited every time we are about to watch the ball drop,” he confessed. The host also revealed why he thinks the special is such an important annual tradition. “We are all together,” Seacrest said. “Our differences don’t matter for about a minute or two at the start of the year, and that is something that is so rare and so significant and so special, and it’s magical to watch.” The special will once again air on ABC and typically starts at 8:00 pm EST.
1 thought on “First Look at Ryan Seacrest’s 2026 NYE Special: VIDEO”