Happy New Year’s Eve! Below is a clear, updated guide to where and when familiar reality TV stars and well-known entertainers will appear tonight as part of New Year’s Eve broadcasts and live concert events. This roundup covers national countdown specials, webcasts, and live concert stops so you can choose the best way to ring in the new year.
Reality Stars on New Year’s Eve Countdown Specials:
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest (ABC) – 8:00 PM to approximately 1:09 AM ET with a standard 30-minute break for local news at 11:00 PM ET. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy, the show features live and pre-recorded performances: Ciara appears from Los Angeles, Lucy Hale from New York City, and Mariah Carey performs in Times Square prior to the ball drop. Camila Cabello also takes the NYC stage. Kelly Clarkson’s segments are part of the pre-recorded Los Angeles portion, while Britney Spears performs live from Las Vegas on the final night of her residency.
FOX’s New Year’s Eve with Steve Harvey, Live from Times Square – airs from 8:06 PM to around 12:30 AM ET with a local news break at 10:00 PM ET. Steve Harvey hosts live from New York City. Performances include Adam Levine and Maroon 5 as part of the evening’s entertainment lineup.
All-American New Year (FOX News) – 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ET. Hosted by Kennedy and Jesse Watters, the special includes a performance by American Idol alum Lauren Alaina. For viewers who prefer streaming, Lauren Alaina’s set is also included in an online New Year’s Eve webcast originating from Times Square.
New Year’s Eve Webcast from Times Square – Online coverage runs from early evening into midnight, featuring hosts Jonathan Bennett and Allison Hagendorf and additional performances, including Lauren Alaina’s set. This webcast offers an alternative viewing option for online audiences and complements the televised broadcasts.
New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen (CNN) – Anderson Cooper co-hosts with Andy Cohen from 8:00 PM through approximately 12:30 AM ET. Andy Cohen replaces Kathy Griffin this year. Country star Keith Urban performs live from Nashville as part of the network’s countdown coverage.
Note on Carson Daly and NBC: Carson Daly, who traditionally hosts an NBC New Year’s Eve program, will not be in Times Square this year. His show was preempted for NFL programming considerations, and despite last-minute schedule changes, the broadcast did not return to its usual Times Square slot. Daly shared these details on social media, explaining that the change marks one of the rare times since 1998 that he will not be in Times Square for New Year’s Eve.
Reality Star New Year’s Eve Concert Schedule
The following list identifies live concert events and special performances featuring reality TV alumni and other artists appearing at public or ticketed New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country:
Casey Abrams with Postmodern Jukebox – Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA
Kris Allen – Hershey’s New Year’s Eve, Hershey, PA
Crystal Bowersox – Paws Up, Greenough, MT
Fantasia – BJCC Concert Hall, Birmingham, AL
Sawyer Fredericks – First Night Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY
Taylor Hicks – Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL
Caleb Johnson – 10th Annual Guitar Drop, Hard Rock Cafe, Memphis, TN
Tony Lucca – The Attic, Tampa, FL
RaeLynn – The Island, Pigeon Forge, TN
These concerts range from intimate theater performances to public festival appearances. If you plan to attend in person, confirm venue policies, ticket availability, and start times before you go.
Tips for Watching and Planning
Time zones and local news breaks affect broadcast schedules, so check local listings for exact start and end times in your area. Many network specials include a mix of live and pre-recorded segments; performances listed as part of Los Angeles or pre-recorded programming may air earlier in the broadcast. Webcasts offer supplementary coverage and can be a good alternative if you prefer streaming on a mobile device or computer. For concert events, arrive early and verify venue rules such as bag policies, parking, and public transit options.
Whether you prefer the traditional Times Square celebrations, a cable news countdown, or a live concert experience, tonight’s lineup of reality stars and established performers provides multiple viewing and attendance options to suit different tastes. Enjoy the music and festivities, and have a safe New Year’s celebration.