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If you needed one more reason to brave the barricades, the freezing temps and the very real possibility of losing feeling in your toes: Diana Ross will ring in 2026 from the heart of Times Square tonight, just minutes before the ball drops.
The legendary icon is set to take the Countdown Stage at 11:37pm on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” performing a medley of her hits that includes “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down.”
Ross’s late-night slot makes her one of the final performers before midnight, a prime position typically reserved for truly iconic artists. The Supremes frontwoman and solo superstar holds two Lifetime Achievement Grammys (one solo, one with the group), plus a Tony, a Golden Globe, Kennedy Center Honors and enough cultural clout to soundtrack nearly 50 years of celebrations.
She’s far from the only big name lighting up Times Square tonight, though. The festivities officially kick off at 6pm with the ceremonial lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball, followed by a rapid-fire lineup that spans pop, country, K-pop and everything in between.
Early in the evening, expect performances from B.o.B, Tones And I, LE SSERAFIM and New York dance crew AGNEW. Swedish pop star Robyn hits the stage at 9:18pm on CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live,” bringing “Dancing on My Own” energy to the square (arguably the most emotionally appropriate song choice for standing in a crowd for eight hours). Country fans get their moment with Little Big Town at 9:35pm and Maren Morris at 10:33pm, both airing on ABC.
Just before midnight, Tones And I returns to perform “Imagine” at 11:55pm, setting the mood for the final countdown. After the ball drops, Grammy-winner Ciara keeps the party going with a post-midnight performance airing shortly after 12am.
If you’re watching from home, you can catch the Times Square action across ABC, CNN and official livestreams via TimesSquareNYC.org and TimesSquareBall.net. Planning to watch in person? Layer up, charge your phone and pace yourself. But know this: when Diana Ross takes the stage at 11:37pm, it will all be worth it.