Entertainment Roundup: One Direction Headlines NYE, Justin Bieber at the AMAs, Star Presenters and Kelly Clarkson

ONE DIRECTION RETURNS TO HEADLINE BILLBOARD HOLLYWOOD PARTY ON “DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST 2016” – One Direction returns for a second consecutive year to headline the Billboard Hollywood Party as part of ABC’s telecast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2016. The band is scheduled to perform three songs during the bi-coastal New Year’s Eve celebration. Their set at the Billboard Hollywood Party will join the rest of the network’s programming that evening, which also features Carrie Underwood performing in Times Square moments before the ball drops. With more than 38 musical performances and over five and a half hours of live entertainment, ABC’s New Year’s Eve coverage promises a full night of live music and special appearances on Thursday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the ABC Television Network. – via dc productions pr

One Direction’s return to the Billboard Hollywood Party highlights the continued appeal of live televised celebrations that combine East and West Coast programming. Performing multiple times across the broadcast gives the group opportunities to showcase new material as well as fan favorites, and contributes to the multi-stage, multi-city format that has become a signature of modern New Year’s Eve television specials.

JUSTIN BIEBER TO PERFORM MEDLEY OF HITS DURING T-MOBILE FINALE AT THE “2015 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS” – Dick Clark Productions and ABC announced that global pop star and seven-time American Music Awards winner Justin Bieber will perform a medley of hits during the T-Mobile Finale at the 2015 American Music Awards. The AMAs are known as one of the world’s largest fan-voted award shows, and the T-Mobile Finale typically closes the broadcast with a high-energy performance designed to end the evening on a memorable note. – via dc productions pr

Fans attending or watching the AMAs can expect Bieber to condense several of his popular tracks into a dynamic finale performance. Medleys at large award shows are crafted to highlight an artist’s most recognizable songs while keeping the audience engaged through rapid transitions and staging designed for television.

STARS FROM FILM, MUSIC AND TELEVISION TO PRESENT AT THE “2015 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS®” – Dick Clark Productions and ABC revealed a star-studded lineup of presenters for the 2015 American Music Awards. Presenters scheduled to appear include Paula Abdul, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Benson, Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, Ciara, Terry Crews, Hannah Davis, DNCE, Florida Georgia Line, Tyrese Gibson, Ellie Goulding, Gigi Hadid, Fifth Harmony, Julianne Hough, Kylie Jenner, Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Lautner, Little Big Town, Tove Lo, Jenny McCarthy, Shawn Mendes, Chloe Grace Moretz, Kevin O’Leary, Norman Reedus, Jeremy Renner, Nick Robinson, Alicia Silverstone, Jeremy Sisto, Hailee Steinfeld, Wilmer Valderrama, Donnie Wahlberg and Zendaya. The 2015 American Music Awards broadcast live on Sunday, November 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. – via dc productions pr

This diverse roster of presenters reflects the AMAs’ cross-industry appeal, drawing stars from film, television and music to honor the achievements of performers as voted on by fans. Presenters add variety and energy to the show, often introducing performances, announcing winners, and participating in onstage moments that create memorable television.

Kelly Clarkson: “I wanted to be a backup singer” – In a candid conversation about her musical journey, Kelly Clarkson shared that her earliest dream was simply to sing—even if that meant being a backup singer rather than the front person. “I just wanted to sing. And my initial goal even when I was little wasn’t to be the frontrunner. I wanted to be a backup singer,” she said. Clarkson playfully acknowledged icons such as Madonna, Britney Spears and Beyoncé, saying she admires those artists and that she wanted to support them from a close, supportive position rather than seeking the spotlight at all costs.

Clarkson spoke specifically about the personal inspiration behind “Piece by Piece,” the title track from her sixth studio album. The song addresses her experience with a father who left when she was young and explores themes of healing and trust. “It was a vulnerable song,” she explained. “Saying yes, I did have help and somebody helped me back together. I think a lot of people will view that as weakness, but I think it’s a strength to trust someone.” Her remarks highlight how vulnerability in songwriting can be empowering, transforming personal pain into artistic strength.

Clarkson’s reflections underscore a broader trend among established artists who use their music to process life events and connect with listeners on a genuine emotional level. Songs like “Piece by Piece” serve as both personal catharsis and public testimony to resilience, often resonating deeply with fans who find their own stories echoed in the lyrics.

For readers following major entertainment events and artist updates, these announcements—from One Direction’s New Year’s Eve performances to the AMAs’ lineup of presenters and headline acts—offer a snapshot of the live television landscape and the ways top artists engage audiences through televised specials and awards shows.