For more than 50 years, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” has been a staple celebration of the holiday season. The hours-long special, now with host Ryan Seacrest, features a bevy of high-profile acts, musical guests, celebrity appearances and more, and the eve of 2026 will be no different.
Before WWD breaks down all the details for “Dick Clark’s 2026 New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” here’s a bit of history about the American entertainment pastime. Beginning in 1974, two years after the conception of the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” special, TV personality and radio host Dick Clark rang in the new year with a holiday-themed special that would broadcast across the country. Originally premiering on NBC, the live TV program transitioned to ABC beginning in 1974 with Clark as host.
Prior to Dick Clark, the American-Irish rock band Three Dog Night hosted the first iteration of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in 1973, followed by comedian George Carlin. The contemporary version of the show was expanded in 2001, beginning in a primetime television slot. Over the course of more than two decades, live performances and pre-recorded concerts from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Elton John and more featured.
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After more than 30 years at the helm, Clark, who suffered a stroke in 2005, handed off hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest, with the production retaining the longtime eponymous host’s name. Over the course of the broadcast, high-profile stars perform across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
For the 2025 edition, Seacrest was joined by Carrie Underwood, who performed during the telecast. Rita Ora, who last year rehearsed for her co-hosting duties alongside Seacrest in a seasonal Antonio Marras red and black checkered coat, will return for the 2026 edition of the show.
Festivities for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” 2026 with Ryan Seacrest will kick off in New York City’s Times Square, the site of the iconic ball drop, and continue in Las Vegas, Chicago and Puerto Rico, among other locations, with highlights from across the globe.
There will be a series of performances and special appearances, with famous faces from 50 Cent to Chappell Roan, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Rick Springfield and more ringing in the new year.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and concludes by 4 a.m. ET on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
