New York City is preparing for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, featuring a lineup of international music stars, as the world looks on to welcome 2026.
Performances by Diana Ross, Ciara, Maren Morris, Little Big Town and others will accompany the iconic ball drop atop One Times Square, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve tradition began in 1907 and has become a globally recognized event, combining live entertainment with the symbolic countdown to the new year.
Over the decades, performances from legendary musicians have made the celebration both a cultural milestone and a media spectacle.
The 2026 edition continues this tradition with a mix of pop, R&B, country and international acts. This year’s celebration kicks off at 6 pm Eastern with the lighting and raising of the Times Square ball.
Television broadcasts, including ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” and CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live,” will feature a full schedule of performances, with Diana Ross closing the Countdown Stage just before midnight.
Meanwhile, CBS is hosting “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” highlighting prominent country artists including Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and CeCe Winans.
Cultural historian Linda Martinez said the lineup underscores the event’s role in reflecting evolving music trends while maintaining longstanding traditions. “Times Square has always served as a mirror of American popular culture,” Martinez said.
The combination of legacy performers like Diana Ross with contemporary artists such as LE SSERAFIM and Tones And I demonstrates how the celebration continues to appeal to multiple generations.
Security and logistics experts also note that coordinating a live event of this magnitude is a complex operation. New York City Police Department spokesperson Michael O’Connell said.
“Managing crowd control, stage setups and broadcast requirements for Times Square requires meticulous planning, especially with high profile performers and a global television audience.”
Historical data highlights the significance of the Times Square celebration. The event has consistently attracted more than 20,000 in person attendees and over 20 million television viewers annually.
Previous years featured performers such as Taylor Swift, Billy Joel and Mariah Carey, generating widespread media coverage and social media engagement.
By comparison, this year’s addition of international acts like Swedish pop star Robyn and Australian singer Tones And I broadens the global appeal of the event. Meanwhile, Nashville’s New Year’s Eve celebration has grown into a major country music showcase.
CBS reported that past editions of the Music Note Drop have drawn upwards of five million viewers, emphasizing the rising popularity of regional New Year’s festivities alongside the flagship Times Square event.
Spectators in Times Square expressed excitement over the star studded lineup. “Seeing Diana Ross live in person is a once in a lifetime experience,” said attendee Maria Sanchez, who traveled from New Jersey.
“The mix of classic and contemporary performers makes the countdown more exciting.” Local business owners also anticipate increased activity.
Anthony Liu, owner of a nearby café, said, “New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year. Performers like Ciara and Maren Morris will draw larger crowds, which benefits restaurants, hotels and shops in the area.”
Organizers plan to maintain the blend of traditional and contemporary entertainment in future celebrations. With the continued inclusion of international artists and diverse musical genres, Times Square is expected to remain a key destination for New Year’s Eve festivities and a major driver of tourism and media attention.
As the world prepares to welcome 2026, Times Square remains a central stage for global celebration, combining musical performances, live broadcasts and iconic traditions.
The event highlights the continued cultural relevance of the annual ball drop while showcasing a diverse mix of performers, from legendary artists like Diana Ross to contemporary acts such as LE SSERAFIM and Tones And I.
Alongside Nashville’s country focused New Year’s Eve Bash, these festivities reflect a broad spectrum of entertainment designed to mark the transition into the new year.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
