The most anticipated New Year's Eve celebration in the United States is set to break its own records in 2026. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest is preparing for its grandest edition yet, featuring an unprecedented eight-hour broadcast, multiple hosting cities, and a powerhouse lineup of musical legends and contemporary stars. The event promises to deliver a spectacular welcome to the year 2026 for viewers across the nation and beyond.
A Historic Broadcast: Eight Hours of Non-Stop Celebration
Marking a significant milestone in its 54-year history, the 2025-26 edition of New Year's Rockin' Eve will be its longest ever. The show will air for a record-breaking eight hours, a testament to its enduring popularity since its debut in 1972. Audiences can immerse themselves in the festivities starting at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on December 31, with the broadcast continuing until 4:00 AM ET on January 1, 2026. For those who miss the live action, the entire program will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
The Hosts and the Star-Studded Lineup
Leading the coast-to-coast celebration will be the iconic host Ryan Seacrest, who returns for his 20th year at the helm. He will be stationed at the epicenter of the celebrations in New York City's Times Square, joined by singer Rita Ora. A highlight of the midnight moment will be the debut drop of the new "Constellation Ball." The hosting duties will be shared across the country, with Chance the Rapper bringing the show to his hometown of Chicago for the very first time. Meanwhile, Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough will co-host from the glittering lights of Las Vegas, and Roselyn Sánchez will broadcast live from Puerto Rico.
The musical performances are the heart of the event, and the 2026 lineup is nothing short of spectacular. The legendary Diana Ross will headline the show, performing a medley of her timeless classics. Fans can expect to hear anthems like "I'm Coming Out" and "Upside Down," the latter having seen a major resurgence after featuring in the popular series *Stranger Things*.
The supporting cast of performers is a diverse mix of genres and generations, ensuring something for every viewer. The confirmed list includes major names such as:
- 50 Cent
- Mariah Carey
- Post Malone
- Pitbull
- Demi Lovato
- OneRepublic
- Ciara
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Lil Jon
- New Kids on the Block
- Charlie Puth
- Maren Morris
- AJR
- 4 Non Blondes
- Madison Beer
- Jessie Murph
- LE SSERAFIM
How to Tune In and Celebrate
For audiences eager to be part of this historic celebration, the primary channel is ABC network. The live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM ET on New Year's Eve. With the expansion to Chicago, viewers will get a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant culture through DJ sets, spoken word artists, and live blues performances curated by Chance the Rapper. This multi-city format ensures a dynamic and comprehensive view of how America rings in the new year.
In conclusion, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable television event. With its record length, multiple iconic locations, and a blend of musical royalty and current hitmakers, it stands as the definitive countdown celebration. Whether you watch it live on ABC or catch up on Hulu, it is the perfect way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new with rhythm and joy.
