Diana Ross to Ring in 2026 With Live Times Square Performance on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest’

Diana Ross is set to usher in the new year with a live performance from Times Square as the 2026 headliner for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Ross, who is in her seventh decade of stardom, will anchor the most expansive and musically diverse telecast in the show’s 54-year history.

“Together we begin a new year,” Ross said in a statement. “Let’s embrace a new beginning, new opportunities, new joy — a celebration of love, where we all come together as we begin 2026.”

Ross is set to perform a medley of her hits including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down.” Ross amassed 12 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with The Supremes, the most of any American group, or any female group. Since going solo in 1970, Ross has notched six more Hot 100 No. 1s, including such classics as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Endless Love,” a collab with Lionel Richie.

In 1988, Ross was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes. She received a Special Tony in 1977, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2012, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and a second lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy (this time, as a member of The Supremes) in 2023.

Last year, Carrie Underwood was the Times Square headliner. The broadcast drew more than 29 million total viewers at midnight.

Mariah Carey was previously announced as a performer on this year’s show. Carey and Ross memorably teamed to perform a pair of Supremes classics, “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love” live at VH1 Divas 2000. Carey, of course, is one of dozens of artists for whom Ross paved the way. The Supremes landed their first Hot 100 hit in the very different world of 1962.

A total of 39 artists will appear across New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and more, live on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET on ABC, next day on Hulu. The roster includes many current hitmakers, including Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Leon Thomas, Charlie Puth and HUNTR/X, who gave us the global smash “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. It also includes a few veteran acts, such as Rick Springfield, New Kids on the Block, 4 Non Blondes and Goo Goo Dolls.

This marks the longest telecast in the show’s history, including an additional 90 minutes of programming compared to last year, with more than 85 songs set to be performed.

This year’s broadcast will be led by Ryan Seacrest and co-host Rita Ora from Times Square. Chicago native Chance the Rapper will lead the show’s first-ever Central time zone countdown from Chicago. NFL legend Rob Gronkowski returns alongside performer Julianne Hough, who makes her NYRE co-hosting debut as they take over Las Vegas. Details for the Puerto Rico celebration will be announced soon.

ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026 is produced by Dick Clark Productions, with Ryan Seacrest, Michael Dempsey and Barry Adelman serving as executive producers.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026 is produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.