Diana Ross is set to headline Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
The I’m Coming Out hitmaker will ring in 2026 with a live performance in New York’s Times Square as part of the annual ABC broadcast, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Ross is scheduled to perform a medley of her greatest hits, including Upside Down and I’m Coming Out.
“Together we begin a new year,” she 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 follows country star Carrie Underwood, who headlined last year’s Times Square celebration. The 2025 broadcast drew more than 29 million viewers at midnight.
The announcement comes shortly after a lineup of 39 performers was unveiled for the 2026 show. 50 Cent, Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Mariah Carey, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, OneRepublic and Pitbull are among those set to appear.
Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will once again host from Times Square, while Chance the Rapper leads the Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago. NFL alum Rob Gronkowski returns alongside Dancing with the Stars host Julianne Hough, who will make her New Year’s Rockin’ Eve co-hosting debut in Las Vegas.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 airs live on ABC on Wednesday 31 December at 8pm EST, with the broadcast available to stream on Hulu the following day.
