Who is performing at the ball drop 2026 is one of the most searched New Year’s Eve questions in the United States as millions prepare to welcome the new year from Times Square or through live national broadcasts. As of today, the performer lineup for the 2026 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop has been officially confirmed, with a wide-ranging group of globally recognized artists, legacy performers, and current chart-toppers scheduled to appear throughout the night.
The 2026 celebration continues the long-standing tradition of combining live music, celebrity appearances, and the world-famous midnight ball drop in New York City. This year’s event stands out for its scale, diversity of genres, and the number of performances spread across Times Square and nationally televised stages.
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The 2026 Times Square Ball Drop Overview
The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop remains the most iconic New Year’s celebration in the United States. Each year, the event draws hundreds of thousands of attendees in person and tens of millions of viewers watching live across the country.
For the 2026 celebration, performances will take place throughout the evening leading up to midnight, with live music beginning hours before the ball descends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Artists perform on outdoor stages set up in and around Times Square, while additional performances are broadcast live as part of the nationally televised New Year’s Eve program.
The evening blends live concerts, celebrity-hosted countdowns, and cultural moments designed to appeal to viewers of all ages.
Main Broadcast and Hosting for the Ball Drop 2026
The centerpiece of the night is the nationally televised New Year’s Eve broadcast, which once again anchors the Times Square celebration. Ryan Seacrest returns as the primary host, continuing his long-running role guiding viewers through the final hours of the year.
Joining him as co-host in Times Square is Rita Ora, who also performs during the event. Together, they introduce artists, interact with the crowd, and lead the countdown to midnight as the New Year’s Eve ball begins its descent.
The broadcast includes live cutaways to other U.S. cities, allowing viewers to experience performances from multiple locations while maintaining Times Square as the focal point of the night.
Headlining Performer at the Ball Drop 2026
One of the most notable and widely celebrated announcements for this year’s event is the confirmation of Diana Ross as a featured headlining performer.
Diana Ross brings decades of music history to the Times Square stage, representing one of the most influential voices in American pop and soul music. Her appearance is scheduled for the later portion of the evening, positioning her performance as one of the defining musical moments leading into the new year.
Her inclusion adds a sense of legacy and timeless appeal to the 2026 celebration, blending classic artistry with contemporary acts.
Full List of Confirmed Performers at the Ball Drop 2026
The performer lineup for the 2026 ball drop is one of the most extensive in recent years. Artists represent pop, hip-hop, country, rock, R&B, electronic, and international music scenes. Below is the complete, confirmed list of performers scheduled to appear as part of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration and its national broadcast segments.
Confirmed Artists Performing During the 2026 Ball Drop Celebration
- Diana Ross
- Mariah Carey
- Post Malone
- 50 Cent
- Charlie Puth
- Demi Lovato
- Maren Morris
- Pitbull
- Zara Larsson
- Madison Beer
- Little Big Town
- The All-American Rejects
- AJR
- OneRepublic
- Russell Dickerson
- Jessie Murph
- Leon Thomas
- Jordan Davis
- 6lack
- Tucker Wetmore
- LE SSERAFIM
- Goo Goo Dolls
- Rick Springfield
- Lil Jon
- BigXthaPlug
- Jess Glynne
- Filmore
These performers appear across multiple stages and broadcast segments throughout the evening, ensuring continuous live music as the countdown approaches.
Special Performances From Other U.S. Cities
In addition to Times Square, the 2026 celebration includes live performances from other major U.S. cities that are integrated into the national broadcast.
Chicago Segment Performers
- Chance the Rapper
The Chicago segment highlights hometown talent and offers a regional flavor while remaining connected to the main Times Square event.
Las Vegas Segment Performers
- Busta Rhymes
- T.I.
- Wyclef Jean
The Las Vegas performances add a high-energy hip-hop focus to the broadcast, expanding the musical range of the evening and offering viewers additional live moments beyond New York City.
Additional Live Performances in Times Square
Beyond the nationally televised acts, Times Square itself hosts a full slate of live performances throughout the night. These performances occur on official outdoor stages and help maintain energy among the live crowd attending the event in person.
Additional confirmed performers include:
- Ciara
- Tones and I
- Xavi
- Ana Bárbara
- AGNEW
These artists perform earlier in the evening, creating a continuous concert-style atmosphere for attendees waiting for the midnight countdown.
Genre Diversity at the Ball Drop 2026
One of the defining features of the 2026 ball drop lineup is its broad musical diversity. The event intentionally brings together artists from different genres to appeal to a wide national audience.
Pop fans are represented by artists such as Mariah Carey, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato, Madison Beer, and Zara Larsson. Hip-hop and rap fans can look forward to performances by 50 Cent, Lil Jon, BigXthaPlug, 6lack, and featured artists from the Las Vegas segment.
Country music is showcased through performers like Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, and Tucker Wetmore. Rock fans are represented by The All-American Rejects, Goo Goo Dolls, Rick Springfield, and OneRepublic.
International and global pop influences also play a role, with LE SSERAFIM and Ana Bárbara bringing global sounds to the Times Square stage.
Performance Timing and Event Flow
Performances begin early in the evening and continue nonstop until midnight. While the exact minute-by-minute schedule is subject to live broadcast timing, the structure typically follows a clear pattern.
Earlier performances focus on upbeat, high-energy acts to warm up the crowd. As the night progresses, larger headliners take the stage closer to midnight. The final hour includes the most recognizable names, culminating in the countdown led by the hosts as the ball descends.
Immediately after midnight, select artists return for celebratory performances marking the start of the new year.
What Makes the Ball Drop 2026 Lineup Stand Out
The 2026 lineup stands out for several reasons. The sheer number of performers ensures constant entertainment, reducing downtime between sets. The mix of legacy artists and newer stars creates cross-generational appeal, making the event accessible to long-time viewers and younger audiences alike.
Another standout factor is the integration of multiple cities into the broadcast. By including Chicago and Las Vegas alongside Times Square, the event feels more nationwide than ever before.
The inclusion of global artists further reflects the evolving identity of the New Year’s Eve celebration as an international cultural moment.
Crowd Experience in Times Square
For those attending in person, the live experience is defined by continuous music, large video screens, and a festive atmosphere that builds throughout the evening. Performances are visible from multiple vantage points, and the sound system ensures that music carries across the event area.
Security measures, crowd management, and weather conditions all play a role in shaping the in-person experience, but the entertainment lineup remains the central attraction for attendees who arrive hours in advance to secure a spot.
Television and Streaming Experience
For viewers at home, the televised broadcast provides close-up views of performances, backstage interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that are not visible to the live crowd.
The broadcast structure allows viewers to experience performances from multiple locations without missing the iconic Times Square countdown. Camera angles, stage design, and production quality remain a major focus, ensuring that each performance feels distinct and engaging.
Why Interest in the Ball Drop 2026 Is So High
Search interest in who is performing at the ball drop 2026 has surged due to the scale of the lineup and the presence of several high-profile artists who rarely appear together at a single event.
The combination of pop legends, chart-topping artists, and genre-spanning performers has positioned the 2026 celebration as one of the most anticipated New Year’s Eve events in recent memory.
The event also carries symbolic weight, marking a shared cultural moment as millions of people across the country count down to the new year together.
Final Thoughts on Who Is Performing at the Ball Drop 2026
The answer to who is performing at the ball drop 2026 reveals a celebration defined by variety, star power, and nationwide appeal. From Diana Ross and Mariah Carey to Post Malone, 50 Cent, and emerging artists, the lineup reflects the full spectrum of modern and classic music.
Whether experienced live in Times Square or watched from home, the 2026 ball drop promises hours of confirmed, high-energy performances leading into the new year.
Which performance are you most excited to watch as the clock strikes midnight? Share your thoughts and stay connected for more updates as New Year’s Eve approaches.