CBS presents New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, a live, star-filled New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by country stars Jimmie Allen and Elle King alongside Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith. The broadcast will air live from Music City on Friday, Dec. 31 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT; 10:30 PM–1:30 AM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and will also stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Jimmie Allen has been on our TVs a lot lately
Country singer Jimmie Allen has become a familiar face on television in recent months. He performed on last year’s inaugural Nashville Big Bash and returns this season as a co-host. Allen’s recent TV credits include appearances on American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, plus a guest spot on the ABC sitcom The Connors. He has also appeared on NBC’s The Voice in an advisory capacity and will participate in CBS’s Pickled charity event. In addition to his TV work, Allen serves as the exclusive opening act on Carrie Underwood’s Denim & Rhinestones tour. His widespread network presence underscores his rising profile in country music and mainstream entertainment.
“Hosting is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time”
Jimmie Allen commented on the hosting opportunity: “When I got the call to host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, I was super excited and started looking forward to it right then. I was part of the show last year as a performer, so being able to co-host this year with Elle King and Rachel Smith and see all the great performances that are lined up — it’s going to be awesome. Hosting is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and to do it on CBS is a big deal. I get to represent not only Nashville and country music but my home state of Delaware — primetime television on New Year’s Eve! Let’s bring this new year in right!”
Elle King added, “New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite nights to celebrate because we get to reflect on the year we’ve had while getting a fresh start. Nashville has been so amazing and welcoming to me this year and I can’t wait to see what next year brings. I am so excited to be hosting the festivities live from Music City!”
Rachel Smith said, “This hometown gal is thrilled to be back for round two of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Hanging with my talented country friends in Music City on New Year’s Eve is the ultimate way to kick off the new year!”
The special will feature nearly 50 country music performances
The network-promoted event will showcase nearly 50 high-energy performances by today’s top country artists. Confirmed acts include genre legends and contemporary stars such as Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown Band, among others. The lengthy, five-hour broadcast is designed to cross multiple time zones so viewers across the country can join the celebration at their local midnight.
The program will include the traditional midnight ET countdown followed by the iconic Nashville music note drop and fireworks at midnight CT, creating back-to-back celebrations for both coasts and the central time zone. Producers emphasize a mix of live performances, hosted segments, and special musical moments that highlight Nashville’s vibrant music scene and its role as a hub for country music culture.
CBS and the show’s organizers note that additional performers and further details will be announced in the weeks leading up to the special. Fans can expect a mix of veteran acts and rising stars, thematic staging honoring Music City, and moments designed for live and streaming audiences alike.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash aims to deliver a high-energy, family-friendly New Year’s broadcast that celebrates country music and Nashville’s unique place in American entertainment. Whether watching on network television or streaming on Paramount+, viewers will be able to ring in the new year with a wide roster of performances, festive on-air hosting, and the signature Nashville midnight festivities.