As the final hours of 2025 tick away, New York City is once again at the center of the world’s attention, preparing for its legendary New Year’s Eve celebration. The iconic “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is set to kick off the countdown to midnight, bringing together millions of viewers across the nation for a night of music, dance, and shared anticipation. For many, this annual broadcast is more than a television event—it’s a cherished ritual that marks the passage of time and the promise of new beginnings.
Behind the scenes, the energy is palpable. Julianne Hough, known for her dynamic performances and warm on-screen presence, is gearing up for her role as co-host. This year, she’ll be stationed in Las Vegas, adding a West Coast flair to the festivities. Hough, reflecting on her experience, shared with Extra, “I have learned from the best. I watched Ryan do this many, many years, and it’s just iconic. I mean, everybody around the country watches this show and rings in the new year, and there’s nothing like coming together for a shared experience. And what better way to do that than to celebrate and hear great music and dance?”
Joining Hough in Las Vegas is none other than four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski. Their partnership promises both fun and unpredictability—two ingredients essential for a memorable New Year’s Eve. Hough couldn’t help but remark on her co-host’s presence, noting, “We were just rehearsing. That guy is so tall! I knew he was tall, but then in person it was much taller, but he’s super playful and fun. And we are going to have a blast.”
Gronkowski, who’s no stranger to the spotlight, is equally enthusiastic about the night ahead. He told Extra, “Julianne is just a wonderful, just terrific person and host. I’ve been watching her every season on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ I’m a big fan.” His excitement is infectious, as he added, “You know, hosting the crazy party on New Year’s Eve is the greatest time… I keep saying it’s the best party to be a part of.”
When asked about his dance moves, Gronkowski drew a playful comparison, saying, “He just gyrates, you know, and that’s how I dance,” referencing Elvis Presley. It’s clear that, whether on the football field or the dance floor, Gronk brings his signature energy to everything he does.
The entertainment lineup for “Rockin’ Eve” is nothing short of spectacular. Viewers can look forward to performances from legends and chart-toppers alike, including Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Chappell Roan, Charlie Puth, and the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. Each act brings its own unique style, ensuring there’s something for everyone as the clock approaches midnight.
But ABC isn’t the only network rolling out the red carpet for 2026. CBS will feature its own celebration, “New Year’s Eve Live,” headlined by country stars Jason Aldean and Lainey Wilson. Meanwhile, NBC plans to highlight the biggest pop moments of the year and will re-air its hit special “Wicked: One Wonderful Night,” offering viewers a chance to relive the magic of Broadway from the comfort of their homes.
For those eager to tune in, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” begins at 8 p.m. on ABC, promising hours of entertainment, celebrity appearances, and the traditional midnight countdown from Times Square.
While the entertainment world is abuzz with New Year’s Eve preparations, the sports world is facing its own moment of suspense—especially in the NFL. One of the biggest stories heading into the offseason is the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Having turned 42 on December 2, 2025, Rodgers is wrapping up his 21st NFL season—his first with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The question on everyone’s mind: Will he retire, or is there one more season left in him?
Rob Gronkowski, who’s enjoying his own post-football chapter as a television personality and event host, weighed in on the matter during a recent appearance on “Up & Adams.” Gronkowski expressed optimism about Rodgers’ future, stating, “I think he does come back for one more year after this.”
Rodgers’ impact this season has been substantial. In 15 games, he has thrown for 3,028 yards and 23 touchdowns—a testament to his enduring skill and leadership on the field. Despite these impressive stats, Rodgers is not currently under contract for the 2026 season, leaving both fans and the Steelers organization in suspense.
The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future is compounded by the high-stakes game looming on January 4, 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face off against the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football”—a matchup that will determine the AFC North title and secure a home playoff game for the winner. The outcome could very well influence Rodgers’ decision, as another playoff run might entice him to return for a 22nd season.
According to coverage from Imagn Images, the Steelers’ best path forward may be to encourage Rodgers to stay for one more year while simultaneously planning for the future. This would likely involve drafting a rookie quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving the newcomer a chance to learn from one of the game’s greats before eventually taking the reins.
For Pittsburgh fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rodgers’ presence on the roster brings both immediate hope and long-term questions. Can the veteran quarterback deliver another playoff run? Will the Steelers invest in developing new talent for the seasons to come? These questions will hang in the air as the ball drops in Times Square and as the clock winds down on the field in Baltimore.
As Americans gather—some in the heart of Manhattan, others in their living rooms, many glued to the drama unfolding in both the entertainment and sports worlds—this New Year’s Eve feels like a crossroads. It’s a moment where tradition meets transformation, where legends take the stage and veterans consider their next act.
Whether you’re tuning in for the music, the midnight kiss, or the final whistle of a crucial football game, December 31, 2025, promises to be a night to remember. With stars like Julianne Hough and Rob Gronkowski leading the festivities, and with Aaron Rodgers’ future hanging in the balance, the nation is set for an evening of celebration, suspense, and shared anticipation. Here’s to the moments that bring us together and the stories that keep us guessing—right up until the very last second.
