‘Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2021’: How to live stream, hosts, performers and all about the NY event featuring Joe Biden
New Year’s is here and so is the special broadcast of ABC network’s annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s event. The 49th annual ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ will mark the first time when a live audience will not be allowed in Times Square to watch the ball drop at midnight, due to the ongoing global pandemic. However, viewers will still be able to enjoy the performances of their favorite musicians right from their couch as they welcome 2021.
Speaking about the event happening during coronavirus, Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a press release, as reported by Billboard, “One thing that will never change is the ticking of time and the arrival of a New Year at midnight on December 31st. But this year there will be significant new and enhanced virtual, visual and digital offerings to complement whatever limited live entertainment or experiences still in development will take place in Times Square.” Here’s everything you need to know about the much-awaited annual event.
Host
In almost 50 years of celebrations, Ryan Seacrest will return as a host for the special broadcast for the 16th time, as reported by Deadline. He will be joined by Lucy Hale and Billy Porter in Times Square. Apart from these talented hosts, Ciara will return to oversee the Los Angeles festivities for the fourth year in a row, while Big Freedia will host the central time zone celebration from New Orleans.
Who is performing?
Performances will take place on stages in Los Angeles and New York. Global pop star Jennifer Lopez will headline the New Year’s special event from Times Square as she will groove to her hit numbers minutes before the iconic ball drop. To make the event more memorable, the following musicians will also floor the audience with their powerful performances:
Miley Cyrus
Megan Thee Stallion
Doja Cat
Billy Porter
Cyndi Lauper
Maluma
Machine Gun Kelly
Jimmie Allen
PJ Morton
Nelly
Ciara
JP Saxe
Julia Michaels
En Vogue
Ella Mai
Lewis Capaldi
Brandy
24kGoldn
Iann Dior
Special guests
President-elect Joe Biden and soon to be First Lady Jill Biden will appear on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2021. Speaking in a joint statement, Amy Thurlow, president of Dick Clark Productions, and Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, said, "In a year marked with many challenges, we are honored that President-Elect Joe Biden and Dr. Biden will join America’s most-watched tradition — ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ to share an inspiring message as we come together to close out 2020 and look ahead with hope to 2021,” as reported by Deadline.
How to Live Stream
This will be the first time when Dick Clark’s annual New Year’s event won’t have a live audience. The Times Square celebrations will be closed to the public due to Covid-19 safety protocols. However, viewers can always catch the special broadcast on the ABC network. The event will air on Thursday, December 31, at 8 pm ET with a screening time of five-and-a-half hours. The audience sitting at home can also tune in to the virtual event via ABC.com or the ABC app.
Creators
Ryan Seacrest, Amy Thurlow, Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco, and Linda Gierahn serve as executive producers for this year’s special broadcast. National, state and local Covid-19 safety guidelines will be followed throughout the event.
