Diana Ross is ready to turn New Year’s Eve upside down — in the best way possible. The Motown legend has been announced as the headliner for ABC’s upcoming Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, and will ring in 2026 with a live performance from Times Square. The 79-year-old icon will take the stage as the clock counts down to midnight, treating the massive crowd (and millions watching at home) to a medley of her hits, including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down,” as the famous ball drops in New York City.
Ross’s headlining set tops what producers are calling the most expansive Rockin’ Eve lineup in the show’s 50-plus year history. She’ll anchor a roster of 39 performers spanning multiple cities on New Year’s Eve. In Times Square, Ross will be joined by fellow superstars like Mariah Carey, Post Malone and Demi Lovato, while additional performances by acts such as 50 Cent, Pitbull, and New Kids on the Block will light up stages in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico and more. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest will lead the main festivities from NYC (with singer Rita Ora co-hosting), as Chance the Rapper heads up a new Chicago countdown and former NFL star Rob Gronkowski joins Julianne Hough to oversee the Las Vegas party.
In a statement about the honor, Ross emphasized unity and joy for the night. “Together we begin a new year. Let’s embrace a new beginning, new opportunities, new joy — a celebration of love, where we all come together as we begin 2026,” the music legend said. The annual special will air live on ABC Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET (and stream on Hulu New Year’s Day), as Ross helps usher in 2026 with undeniable glamour and soul.
