The New Year’s Eve countdown is kicking off tonight at Times Square with Swedish pop sensation Robyn headlining performances, along with Diana Ross, Demi Lovato, 50 Cent, and more superstars taking the stage. The celebration begins at 6 PM ET and will stream everywhere as millions worldwide tune in to welcome 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Robyn performs from 9:18 PM to 9:31 PM during CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” coverage
- The iconic Times Square Ball lights up at 6:03 PM and rises for the first time at One Times Square
- Spectator entrances open at 3 PM with the countdown starting at 11:59 PM
- Over 30 major performers take the stage with Diana Ross headlining ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”
Robyn’s Times Square Midnight Performance Steals the Show
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
Swedish electropop icon Robyn brings her infectious energy to CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast from Times Square tonight. The three-time Grammy Award nominee takes the stage during the prime countdown window, performing a selection of her biggest hits to the massive crowds gathered in Manhattan. Her performance marks one of the most highly anticipated musical moments of the evening as millions watch the countdown unfold.
CNN’s exclusive coverage showcases Robyn performing her signature tracks that have defined her career since the 1990s. The broadcast features Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen hosting from Times Square as the world watches the 60-second countdown commence at midnight. Special moments include the iconic ball drop illuminated by thousands of LED crystals atop One Times Square.
Star-Studded Lineup Spanning Multiple Networks and Venues
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
While Times Square hosts incredible performances, other major networks bring their own A-list lineups. ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve features Diana Ross as the headliner, supported by 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Mariah Carey, and Charlie Puth. The broadcast airs from 8 PM ET to 4 AM ET on ABC, reaching millions of viewers across America.
The Times Square Alliance confirms a comprehensive entertainment schedule spanning the evening, with B.o.B, Ciara, Tones and I, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, and Diana Ross all performing at different time slots. Special appearances from comedy performances and celebrity guests round out the full broadcast experience available for free streaming online.
Where and How to Watch the Times Square Countdown
| Event Details | Information |
| Spectator Entrances Open | 3:00 PM ET on December 31 |
| Ball Lighting & Raising | 6:03 PM ET at One Times Square |
| Celebration Broadcast Start | 6:00 PM ET across multiple networks |
| Free Online Streaming | TimesSquareNYC.org with captions and ASL |
| Countdown & Ball Drop | 11:59 PM ET with confetti celebration |
You can watch the celebration for free by visiting TimesSquareNYC.org, which offers a commercial-free webcast of the entire 6.5-hour celebration. Multiple networks broadcast competing specials, including CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live at 8 PM ET, ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve at 8 PM ET, and NBC’s New Year’s Eve coverage. The Times Square celebration remains free to attend in-person, though crowds have exceeded one million spectators in previous years.
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration Returns to Times Square
This year’s Times Square countdown carries extra significance as America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026. After the ball rises again at 12:04 AM on January 1st, red, white, and blue confetti will shower down on the crowds below to mark the occasion. The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration has become the largest public celebration in America, with over one million people gathering annually in the iconic intersection.
The Times Square Alliance has implemented comprehensive safety measures, including enhanced security and crowd management protocols. Multiple police departments oversee the event, ensuring safe passage for emergency vehicles and maintaining orderly spectator flow. The ball weighs 11,875 pounds and features over 2,688 Waterford crystals with 32,256 LED lights, making it one of the most visible countdown moments broadcast worldwide.
How Are Celebrity Guests and Fans Celebrating the Occasion?
The performer lineup reflects the diversity of music audiences worldwide, with selections ranging from pop icons like Robyn and Diana Ross to current chart-toppers like Chappell Roan and Demi Lovato. Fans camping out in Times Square since early afternoon express excitement about seeing multiple performances throughout the broadcast. Social media already buzzes with anticipation as viewers prepare to watch their favorite artists ring in 2026 live from the heart of New York City.
Celebrity attendees throughout the evening include various surprise guests announced during the live broadcasts. Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, and Stephen Colbert host the exclusive CNN coverage, while Ryan Seacrest leads ABC’s Dick Clark’s traditional countdown. The multiple broadcast partners ensure something for every viewer preference, from country music specials in Nashville to the iconic Times Square celebration in New York City.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.