Diana Ross headlines 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' in historic, record-breaking broadcast

Diana Ross to Headline Record-Breaking 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'

In a historic broadcast, American music icon Diana Ross is set to top the lineup of ABC's "New Year's Rockin' Eve," marking one of the most expansive performer lineups in the show's history. The 2026 special promises to be an unforgettable celebration, with Ross taking center stage alongside an impressive array of 39 artists performing live from across multiple locations.

Ross is expected to deliver a heartfelt message as she begins the new year, urging viewers to "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." Her participation in the show has generated significant excitement among fans and music enthusiasts alike.

The extensive performer list includes an eclectic mix of artists, from contemporary stars like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift to iconic figures such as Mariah Carey, New Kids on the Block, and Rick Springfield. Other notable acts include 50 Cent, Chance the Rapper, Charlie Puth, Lil Jon, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Pitbull, and Rita Ora.

One of the most striking aspects of this year's broadcast is its extended runtime, boasting an unprecedented 90 minutes of additional programming. Additionally, Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper will lead the first-ever live Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago, while NFL legend Rob Gronkowski returns alongside multihyphenate performer Julianne Hough in their Los Angeles co-hosting debut.

ABC's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" is set to air on December 31 at 8:00 p.m. EST, with the full special streaming next day on Hulu. The Walt Disney Company serves as the parent company of ABC and this ABC station.

I'm not feeling too excited about all these big-name performers . I mean, it's cool that Diana Ross is coming out of retirement, but is an entire 90 minutes of programming really needed? Can't they just have a shorter show like normal? And what's with the extra-long countdowns? It's just gonna be more stressful for everyone watching at home . Plus, it feels like the focus has shifted too much from celebrating the start of a new year to just being a giant music festival . I know some people are hyped up about Chance the Rapper hosting, but let's not forget that his music isn't exactly my cup of tea .

I'm gonna miss Dolly Parton's performance at NYRE ... I mean, Diana Ross is going to be amazing! It's crazy how many talented artists are coming together for this show. 90 minutes of extra content? That's like watching a whole marathon of music videos back in the day . I wonder if they'll have any throwback segments or surprises along the way. Mariah Carey and New Kids on Block, oh man! It brings back memories of the old school NYRE ... can't wait to see it all go down live on January 1st!

I'm beyond hyped for Diana Ross's performance on New Year's Rockin' Eve! It's so cool to see such an amazing lineup with a mix of old school legends like Mariah Carey and Rick Springfield alongside newer talent like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. The extra runtime is gonna be lit too, can't wait for 90 minutes of non-stop music and excitement!

I'm so stoked that Diana Ross is gonna be headlining this thing! She's a legend for a reason, you know? I mean, who else can make you wanna dance like nobody's watching when they're on stage? It's awesome that they've got such an incredible lineup - Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber are always so energetic, but it's great to see some old school acts like New Kids on the Block making a comeback! 90 minutes of extra programming is pretty cool too - gotta make sure everyone's got something epic to celebrate. And I love that Chance the Rapper is leading the countdown in Chicago... what an awesome way to ring in the new year! Can't wait for it all to go down on NYE!

I'm so stoked for Diana Ross's performance! She's going to bring the house down, no doubt about it . 39 artists in one show? That's insane! It's amazing how many iconic acts are on the lineup - Mariah Carey, New Kids on the Block... this is like a musical time capsule being unleashed . The extended runtime is a genius move too , I mean who doesn't love more music to ring in the new year? Can't wait for Chance the Rapper's countdown from Chicago - that's going to be lit ! Ryan Seacrest better be ready for some serious competition

[Image of Diana Ross in a sparkling outfit, dancing with confetti]

OMG, girl power alert ! Diana Ross is bringing it to the countdown party this year ! Can't wait for that 90-minute special – gotta get my dance on ‍ and rock out with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift !

I'm so hyped for New Year's Eve! I've been listening to Diana Ross songs since middle school . Can you believe she's headlining that huge show? I mean, 39 artists? That's crazy! And it's gonna be on Hulu too? My friends and I are planning a NYE party at my place and we're gonna watch that live . The lineup is lit, btw - Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber... my favorite childhood artists . Gonna be such a great celebration!

I'm low-key stoked about Diana Ross headlining "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" ! It's crazy to think about 39 artists performing live in one show – that's a lot of talented people coming together to get the party started. I mean, you've got old-school legends like Mariah Carey and Rick Springfield alongside contemporary superstars like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. The lineup is pretty fire ! And can we talk about how cool it is that Chance the Rapper is leading the countdown in Chicago? It's gonna be a wild ride . With the extended runtime, I'm expecting an epic celebration that'll keep us all entertained until the stroke of midnight . Bring on 2026 and let's get this party started!

I'm loving that they got Diana Ross on board for NYE ! I mean, who wouldn't want to kick off 2026 with a legendary performer like her? And an impressive lineup of 39 artists is pretty incredible - it's gonna be a party to remember! The extended runtime is also a nice touch, so we can really get into the New Year's spirit. But what I'm most excited about is seeing Chance the Rapper bring his energy to that first-ever live CTZ countdown in Chicago . And Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough are always fun to watch - they're gonna bring some serious enthusiasm to the LA hosting gig!

gotta say, I'm hyped for Diana Ross's NYE performance ! She's a legend in her own right, you know? Always been a fan of her music. But what's really cool is that she's bringing everyone together on stage to celebrate the new year . No drama, no stress - just music and joy . Can't wait for Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift to rock the stage too ! 90 minutes of extra programming? That's a whole lotta party vibes ! Chance the Rapper leading the CTZ countdown from Chicago is gonna be lit !

OMG I'm literally dying!!! Diana Ross is going to be the headliner for Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve !! Like, what can we even say? She's a music icon and an inspiration to so many people! And to think she's going to kick off 2026 with a heartfelt message about love and new beginnings... *swoon* I'm already imagining her on stage, surrounded by all those talented artists, and just feeling the energy and excitement of it all The lineup is insane btw - Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift? This is going to be epic! I'm already counting down the days until Dec 31st so I can watch this special Can't wait for Chance the Rapper to lead that first countdown and Rob Gronkowski to join Julianne Hough in LA... it's just too much to handle

OMG can't believe Diana Ross is headlining NYE ! She's literally a legend and I'm hyped to see her perform alongside so many other iconic artists like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey... it's gonna be EPIC And 90 minutes of extra programming? Yaaas, let's get this party started Can't wait for the countdown with Chance the Rapper and Rob Gronkowski back as a host, it'll be so lit! Hulu is streaming the full show next day too, gotta make sure I'm ready to dance

Ugh I'm so excited for Diana Ross's performance on New Year's Rockin' Eve! 39 artists? That's a lot of talent coming together to celebrate the start of a new year. And can we talk about the lineup? Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift? Those are some big names right there. I'm also loving that Chance the Rapper is leading the first-ever live countdown from Chicago - he's such an amazing artist and his energy would get the crowd pumped up for sure! The 90-minute runtime is gonna be epic too, can't wait to see it all go down on December 31.

OMG, I'm literally SHAKING with excitement ! Diana Ross is coming back to NYE?! It's about time she took center stage - the Queen of Pop deserves all that spotlight ! And can we talk about the lineup? Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber are gonna bring the heat , but I'm also loving that Chance the Rapper is leading the CTZ countdown - Chicago rep . The extended runtime is a major win too - 90 minutes of NYE magic is just what we need to kick off '26! And Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough as co-hosts? That's a dream team ! I'm all about that feel-good vibe this year, can't wait for the show

omg u guys im so hyped for dick clarks NYRE i mean its like a total history in the making with diana ross headlining and 39 artists?! i'm team Ariana Grande but like mariah carey is gonna slay too and rick springfield is such a legend can't wait for the countdowns especially chance the rapper leading the chicago one and robert gronkowski and julianne hough as hosts lol what a power couple and 90 minutes of extra programming?! i'm gonna stay up all night to watch this thing is anyone else watching??

omg u guyz cant wait for diana ross to rock the stage in 2026 lol she's gonna bring so much energy & class to that show i'm already hyped just thinking about it. the lineup is fire btw i mean who else gets to see mariah carey, new kids on block, and rick springfield all in one show? that's some serious nostalgia right there

omg i'm literally so stoked for diana ross to headline dick clarks new years rockin eve i mean can u even imagine how iconic it's gonna be? 90 minutes of programming is insane btw, like what are they planning on doing all that time anyway, i love how diverse the lineup is, from classic acts to contemporary superstars... taylor swift and justin bieber better bring their A-game ‍

omg i just saw this thread for last year's NYE special and im like wow Diana Ross is still slaying at 80 she should def do a Vegas residency after that lol would be so lit to see her perform with Ariana Grande though, the whole female artist lineup sounds amazing

omg i cant even believe diana ross is headlining new years rockin eve! shes going to bring so much elegance & class to that show i'm also super hyped about the extended runtime, 90 minutes is a lot of music lol but for real though, can you imagine Chance rapping his way into the new year? and ryan seacrest has been doing this for like forever now