Legendary performer leads record-breaking 39-artist entertainment spectacular on ABC and streaming platforms
A Record-Breaking Entertainment Lineup
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 brought one of the most expansive performer lineups in the show’s history to television audiences on Wednesday evening, December 31. Legendary Diana Ross headlined the Times Square countdown stage performances, with 39 artists performing live from New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and other locations. The program delivered coast-to-coast celebrations and expanded coverage reaching viewers nationwide through traditional broadcast and streaming platforms.
Diana Ross Takes Center Stage
Diana Ross delivered a medley of her iconic hit songs beginning at 11:37 p.m. ET, including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down.” Ross, recipient of two Grammy Awards for Lifetime Achievement as both a solo artist and member of The Supremes, along with a Tony, multiple American Music Awards, a Golden Globe, and Kennedy Center Honors, brought decades of artistry to the moment. She spoke about embracing new beginnings and opportunities as the world transitioned into 2026. For information on Diana Ross and her career achievements, see the Grammy Awards official website.
The Countdown Stage Lineup
The diverse performer list reflected contemporary music across genres. Ciara, whose twenty-one songs have charted on Billboard’s Hot 100, was scheduled to perform after midnight. Grammy-winning R&B vocalist Ciara’s 2004 hit “Goodies” claimed the number-one spot for seven weeks. Tones and I, the Australian singer-songwriter whose “Dance Monkey” reached number four on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2020, performed “Dance Monkey,” “Fly Away,” and “Gone Gone Gone” before returning at 11:55 p.m. for a special performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Additional performers included LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Robyn, and B.o.B.
Television Coverage and Streaming
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 aired Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. For those unable to attend Times Square in person, the television tradition continued as a longstanding commitment to bringing the celebration into American homes nationwide. For information on ABC programming and events, see the ABC official website.
Interactive and Engaging Coverage
The broadcast maintained interactive elements and behind-the-scenes storytelling that engaged viewers throughout the evening. Ryan Seacrest’s hosting brought continuity and energy to the presentation. The combination of live performances, real-time celebrations, and technical coverage created a comprehensive New Year’s experience for television audiences. For more information on New Year’s programming and entertainment, see the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve official website.
