Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora are gearing up to present the most expansive iteration of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" yet, a celebratory event that promises an unprecedented scale and duration for its 54th year. The telecast will be notably longer, stretching an additional 90 minutes, and will showcase a star-studded lineup of more than 42 artists performing from diverse locations across the country and Puerto Rico. This year's festivities carry a poignant personal dimension for Seacrest, who recently experienced a significant family loss, making the themes of renewal and togetherness particularly resonant. Meanwhile, Ora is poised to embrace 2026 with an eye toward releasing new music and embarking on a tour, hinting at an exciting creative chapter ahead.
A Historic Broadcast Extravaganza
This year's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026" is poised to make history as the longest and most expansive broadcast in the program's 54-year legacy. The show's runtime has been extended by a significant 90 minutes, allowing for an even grander celebration of the transition into the new year. For the first time, the event will feature a live Central Time Zone countdown originating from Chicago, with Chance the Rapper joining the hosting duties. This expansion also includes numerous parties and performances spanning iconic locations such as New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles, creating a truly nationwide and even international celebratory atmosphere.
The sheer scale of musical talent slated to appear is remarkable, with over 42 performers confirmed to deliver more than 90 songs. These artists collectively boast an astounding 925 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 102 billion streams across their discographies, underscoring the immense popularity and reach of the lineup. Headlining the Times Square festivities will be the legendary Diana Ross, joined by other prominent acts including Post Malone, Chappell Roan, Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris. The West Coast stage will feature performances from global superstars like Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, OneRepublic, 50 Cent, and Charlie Puth, alongside Huntr/x from "KPop Demon Hunters." Rita Ora, making her third appearance as a host, expressed confidence that audiences worldwide will tune in for this unparalleled event, while Ryan Seacrest marks his 21st year at the helm of the iconic New Year's Eve tradition.
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
For Ryan Seacrest, this year's New Year's Eve broadcast holds a deeper, more personal significance. He shared that 2025 has been a challenging period, marked by the loss of his father, Gary, in October following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. Seacrest reflected that this personal experience has profoundly reshaped his understanding of the holiday and the importance of family connections. He emphasized the comforting and uplifting role that "New Year's Rockin' Eve" can play for viewers, offering a few hours of feel-good entertainment and a positive prelude to the fresh start of a new year. His focus remains on providing a platform where families can come together, find joy, and collectively set a hopeful tone for the future, underscoring the show's enduring message of unity and new beginnings.
Meanwhile, co-host Rita Ora is approaching 2026 with a clear sense of purpose and a renewed artistic drive. With a fourth studio album and an upcoming tour on the horizon, she is keen to channel her creativity and explore new musical directions. Ora spoke about being inspired by contemporary music trends and her eagerness to see where this inspiration will lead her next year. While she remained tight-lipped about the specific sound of her new album, politely declining to offer teasers, her enthusiasm for her forthcoming projects was palpable. Seacrest, in a show of support, playfully encouraged her with a hearty "New album, let’s go!" "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026" is scheduled to air live on Wednesday, December 31, at 8/7c on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Produced by Dick Clark Productions, the program continues its reign as the nation's premier New Year’s celebration, consistently drawing an audience significantly larger than its competitors.