A Star-Studded Countdown as Times Square Rings in 2026 Like Never Before
As the clock winds down on 2025, all eyes are once again being drawn to Times Square, where the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration is being prepared on an even bigger scale than usual. Despite freezing temperatures and packed streets, the energy in Midtown Manhattan is already being felt, as thousands of revelers gather hours early to secure their spot for the iconic ball drop.
This year’s countdown is being powered by a truly star-studded lineup. Music legend Diana Ross has been positioned as the emotional centerpiece of the night, performing during the final minutes before midnight. Her appearance is expected to set the tone right before the ball begins its descent. Throughout the evening, the stage is being shared by artists across genres, including Ciara, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Robyn, and many others, keeping the momentum alive from early evening all the way into the new year.
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The performances are being rolled out in carefully timed segments, although viewers are being reminded that live moments don’t always match broadcast clocks exactly. From pop and country to hip-hop and global acts, the night is designed to feel nonstop. Tones And I is being featured twice, including a late-night return to perform John Lennon’s “Imagine,” a moment that traditionally brings a reflective pause just before midnight celebrations erupt.
Hosting duties are being handled by familiar faces, with Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora guiding viewers through the evening from Times Square. Nationwide broadcasts and official livestreams are making it possible for people around the world to tune in, whether they’re watching from a couch, a party, or a phone screen.
What truly sets this New Year’s Eve apart, though, is history. For the first time ever, the Times Square ball is being dropped twice. The traditional drop happens at 11:59 p.m. to welcome 2026, but just minutes later, the ball is being relit and lowered again in a red, white, and blue design to mark the start of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. This second drop is being framed as the opening signal for a year-long national commemoration leading up to July 4.
As confetti fills the air and music echoes through the streets, this New Year’s Eve is being remembered not just as a countdown, but as a cultural moment blending entertainment, tradition, and history. Times Square isn’t just welcoming a new year—it’s launching a milestone year unlike any before.
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