For over half a century, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve has graced countless households each December 31, heralding the arrival of the new year with festivity and music. This year, the event reaches another milestone as Ryan Seacrest commemorates his 20th year as host of this iconic ABC broadcast, continuing the legacy of the legendary Dick Clark, who first hosted the show back in 1972.
Seacrest, who took over the reins following Clark's retirement due to health issues, expressed his disbelief at the time he has spent hosting. Growing up watching Clark, Seacrest never imagined he would hold the same distinguished role. "It feels surreal to be part of such history every year," he shared during promotional appearances. The broadcast is set to air live on December 31st at 8 p.m. ET, showcasing celebrations from coast to coast.
Joining Seacrest this year will be co-host Rita Ora, who will return for the New Year's festivities after making her debut last year. The duo will lead the countdown to midnight live from Times Square, which serves as the heart of the annual celebrations. Fans from around the world will tune in for the iconic ball drop, crafted by 1,070 Waterford crystals, emphasizing the festive spirit.
Meanwhile, the West Coast celebrations will be brought to life by television personality Jeannie Mai, who will oversee coverage from Los Angeles. Her dynamic hosting style promises to energize the New Year's vibe. Adding to the excitement, retired NFL star Rob Gronkowski will co-host from Las Vegas, marking his debut at this grand event. "I can’t wait to ring in 2025 from the beautiful Fountains of Bellagio," Gronkowski stated, enveloped by the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas.
The West Coast party will feature high-profile performances, including music legend Alanis Morissette, who is expected to bring some of her hits to the stage alongside special guest Reneé Rapp. The night will also showcase Dasha, and DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live!, featuring stars like Ja Rule, Kesha, and T-Pain. Add to this mix the Jonas Brothers and Carrie Underwood, who will perform live from Times Square, along with young talents Megan Moroney and the UK’s Sophie Ellis-Bextor, creating a broad spectrum of musical offerings.
This year’s lineup aims to cater to diverse musical tastes, promising performances from country star Cody Johnson, rock powerhouse Lenny Kravitz, and pop favorites such as Natasha Bedingfield and Blake Shelton. There is even excitement across the Atlantic, as the band Jungle is set to perform live from London, featuring their hit songs like "Back On 74." The event showcases not just American talent, but international acts, reflecting the global connectivity of music.
The anchor of the show, Ryan Seacrest, remains optimistic about this year's event. "It’s important to bring people together, especially after the challenges we’ve faced lately. New Year’s Eve is synonymous with hope and renewal," he commented, embodying the spirit of the broadcast. Seacrest's tenure has been marked by the human stories shared during the show, emphasizing the importance of community and celebration during this time of year.
The show is not simply about music and celebration; it also becomes one of the most-watched live events on television, bringing families together and serving as the ultimate capstone to the year. Audiences can also catch encore presentations of the show the day after, adding accessibility for those who want to relive the golden moments from the night.
This year’s show also brings back Dayanara Torres, co-hosting from Puerto Rico, ensuring representation from different parts of the world. Torres’ involvement highlights the cultural richness of the event, reinforcing the idea of unity through celebration.
The hype continues to grow as fans eagerly await New Year's Eve. With such a starry cast lined up, the night is set to be unforgettable—with the promise of music, excitement, and the hopeful anticipation of what 2025 has to bring. Seacrest, Mai, and Gronkowski are poised to deliver memories for those watching live and at home.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest will air on ABC and will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. This beloved event, steeped in tradition, continues to adapt and evolve, proving it remains as relevant today as it was over fifty years ago.
