Music legend Diana Ross is set to light up Times Square and usher in 2026 with a show-stopping performance on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Leading the nation’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration, Ross will headline a record-breaking lineup spanning multiple cities, delivering a dazzling medley of hits and marking one of the most memorable moments in the show’s more than 50-year history.
Diana Ross Takes Center Stage
ABC announced today that Ross will take center stage to celebrate with millions and welcome the new year with magic, style, and unforgettable music.
For her headlining performance, she will feature a spectacular blend of glamour and some of her greatest hits. This includes “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down,” which has seen a 373% increase in streams since it was featured in season 5 of “Stranger Things.”
Ross remains one of the most beloved and influential artists in pop culture. She had 12 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with The Supremes, the most for any American group. Ross also had six solo Hot 100 No. 1s.
In the press release, Ross said, “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.”
The Biggest NYE Lineup Ever
As we previously reported, this will be the biggest lineup of performers ever for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special. Joining Ross on the stage throughout the night will be:
- 4 Non Blondes
- 50 Cent
- AJR
- BigXthaPlug
- Chance the Rapper
- Charlie Puth
- Chappell Roan
- Ciara
- Demi Lovato
- DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! Starring Busta Rhymes, T.I. & Wyclef Jean
- Filmore
- 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
- LE SSERAFIM
- Lil Jon
- Little Big Town
- Madison Beer
- Maren Morris, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
- Mariah Carey
- New Kids on the Block
- OneRepublic
- Pitbull
- Post Malone
- Rick Springfield
- Russell Dickerson
- The All-American Rejects
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zara Larsson
Changes Coming to 2026 Celebration
Besides the biggest lineup ever, we are going to see some other record-breaking moments this year. The New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature the first-ever live Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago. It will also be the longest in the show’s history, with an additional 90 minutes of programming scheduled.
The show will kick off in New York with “American Idol” host, Seacrest, and his co-host Rita Ora. The party will continue through Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and beyond. It all takes place on Wednesday, December 31, from 8:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. EST on ABC.
Coverage in Chicago will be led by Chance the Rapper, the former coach on “The Voice.” In Las Vegas, we will see the return of NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, who will co-host alongside “Dancing With the Stars” co-host Julianne Hough. Details for the Puerto Rico celebration have not been released yet.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” kicks off live on Wednesday, December 31, at 8/7c on ABC. The special will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
