One day after ABC announced the line-up of performers scheduled to appear on Ryan Seacrest’s New Year’s Eve special, the network revealed that the show’s headlining performer is another “American Idol” icon.
On December 5, 2024, ABC announced that country superstar Carrie Underwood will ring in the New Year with Seacrest and co-host Rita Ora, performing from the Times Square stage. The news thrilled her fans when it was shared on social media.
Carrie Underwood Says She’ll Perform Just Before Ball Drops in NYC
Underwood and Seacrest go way back, since she won “Idol” in 2005 and will debut as a judge on the show in March 2025. The two have filmed auditions and promos for the new season, and took photos together to promote their New Year’s collaboration.
“I’ll be closing out 2024 as I perform LIVE from Times Square on @RockinEve just before the ball drops,” Underwood wrote on Instagram. “So excited to end the year with you @RyanSeacrest!”
In a press statement, Underwood said, “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year. I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning ‘American Idol’ by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”
Thrilled fans immediately flooded the post with reactions, including one who wrote, “Theres no better way to end 2024 than listening to Carrie Underwood sing 🤩”
Another commented, “The only reason I’d watch new years celebrations. Anything for queen Carrie ❤️”
Someone else excitedly chimed in, “MY GOD THIS IS GOING TO BE SENSATIONAL ✨🥳🤍”
Ryan Seacrest’s 20th Annual New Year’s Eve Show Features Other Major Stars
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” will kick off on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern time on December 31. A promo released on December 2 revealed that Seacrest will be joined by singer and actress Rita Ora, who debuted as his co-host in 2024, per WWD.
The countdown show will include performances from country stars Cody Johnson and Thomas Rhett, rocker Lenny Kravitz, pop/soul singer Teddy Swims, and R&B artist Tinashe.
Meanwhile, over on CBS, former “American Idol” judge Keith Urban will make his debut as the host of “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.” Live from Nashville, he’ll be joined by fellow country stars (and season 22 “Idol” mentors) Jelly Roll and Kane Brown.
“Nashville’s Big Bash” is free and open to the public. The five-hour CBS broadcast will air live on December 31 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time and pick back up at 9:30 p.m., running until 12:30 a.m.
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Carrie Underwood’s Fans Flip Over Her New Year’s Surprise