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.
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 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 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! 
. 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 
, 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 
! Can't wait for that 90-minute special – gotta get my dance on 
and rock out with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift 
!
. Can you believe she's headlining that huge show? I mean, 39 artists? That's crazy! 
. The lineup is lit, btw - Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber... my favorite childhood artists 
. Gonna be such a great celebration! 
. Bring on 2026 and let's get this party started! 
. No drama, no stress - just music and joy 
I'm so excited for Diana Ross's performance on New Year's Rockin' Eve! 
! I'm all about that feel-good vibe this year, can't wait for the show 
and rick springfield is such a legend 
can't wait for the countdowns especially chance the rapper leading the chicago one 
and 90 minutes of extra programming?! i'm gonna stay up all night to watch this thing 