Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, alongside co‑host Rita Ora, the broadcast brought together musicians across genres, appealing to diverse audiences tuning in to mark the arrival of 2026.

For the Times Square crowd — estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands in person and **millions more watching on television — Diana Ross was positioned as the headlining act.

Her set began at approximately 11:37 p.m. ET, strategically placed just minutes before the iconic ball drop that marks the transition to the new year.

The event itself was a spectacle. Times Square’s famous Constellation Ball, a 12.5‑foot sphere adorned with 5,280 Waterford crystals, slowly descended over the crowd, signaling the final seconds of 2025.

The broadcast delivered record viewership for the annual special, reaching 34 million total viewers and peaking with roughly 30 million at midnight, according to early Nielsen estimates — a four‑year high for the telecast.

A Medley of Classics: Ross Takes the Stage

Ross’s performance was a carefully curated celebration of her extraordinary career, built around a medley of some of her biggest hits.

Accompanied by a live band and energetically engaging with the crowd and cameras alike, she delivered renditions of beloved songs that have become part of the soundtrack of multiple generations.

Among the songs performed were classics such as:

“I’m Coming Out” — a vibrant anthem of self‑expression and empowerment.

“Upside Down” — Ross’s 1980 disco‑pop smash that topped charts worldwide.

Selections that reflected both her solo catalog and her time with The Supremes, the Motown trio that helped define 1960s rhythm and soul.

Footage from the live broadcast and social media clips show Ross commanding the stage with poise, musicality, and the trademark glamour that has defined her career for decades.

The Times Square crowd erupted with cheers, singing along and waving lights as the New Year countdown drew near — a testament to both the emotional impact and cross‑generational reach of her music.

An Ageless Presence: Social Media and Fan Reactions

What drove nearly as much attention as the performance itself was the reaction to Ross’s age‑defying energy.

At 81 years old, Ross stood confidently under the bright lights of One of the world’s busiest intersections, delivering a powerful performance generally associated with artists decades younger.

Fans took to social media in droves, expressing astonishment at Ross’s vitality:

“Has an 81‑year‑old ever looked or sounded better?” one viewer asked on X (formerly Twitter), echoing a widespread sentiment.

Another fan wrote, “She gave more stage presence than half the new artists today,” celebrating her enduring talent.

On TikTok, reactions ranged from disbelief to admiration, with comments like “I cannot believe that is an 81‑year‑old woman — she looks incredible.”

These responses underscored a shared appreciation not only for Ross’s performance but for her continued public presence as a dynamic, inspiring cultural figure.

Reflections From Earlier in the Year: Health, Happiness, and Longevity

Ross’s appearance in Times Square — while stunning — didn’t come out of nowhere. Earlier in 2025, she offered fans insight into how she maintains her vitality and enthusiasm, even as her career spans more than six decades.

In a June 2025 interview with People magazine, Ross shared several key elements of her daily routine and personal philosophy:

Staying active: She noted that she swims regularly to help maintain flexibility and overall physical health.

Prioritizing rest: Ross emphasized the importance of adequate sleep for balance and recovery.

Mindful eating: While she strives for a healthy diet, she also joked about enjoying occasional treats like Häagen‑Dazs ice cream.

Mental and spiritual grounding: “The love for what I do keeps me grounded — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,” she said. Ross also noted her daily practice of morning meditation and evening prayer to manage stress and stay centered.

These habits, she suggested, contribute to her sense of well‑being and sustain her creative energy — a message that resonates with both young fans and peers alike.

Celebration and Legacy: More Than Just a Performance

Ross’s Times Square set was more than just a concert — it was a public affirmation of a storied career, a bridge between the musical heritage of Motown and today’s pop culture landscape.

Her presence served as an anchor for a broadcast that also included contemporary artists such as:

Ciara — performing after midnight with her R&B set.

Little Big Town and Maren Morris — representing country influences.

LE SSERAFIM — adding international pop energy.

A host of performers across music genres — from hip‑hop to classic rock — contributing to a celebration that spanned generations.

The breadth of the lineup highlighted how Ross’s legacy intersects with the wider musical world: her work has influenced artists across styles and eras, many of whom appeared on the same broadcast she headlined.

A Night of Record Viewership and Cultural Resonance

The 2026 edition of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve wasn’t just a show — it was a ratings success.

The broadcast emerged as the top entertainment special of the night across all networks, drawing approximately 34 million total viewers, with an especially strong showing at midnight when the ball dropped in Times Square.

This surge in viewership — a significant increase from prior years — signals more than a nostalgia pull; it suggests that live televised events, when anchored by iconic performances and cross‑generational appeal, still captivate large audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Ross’s set, in particular, became one of the defining moments of the night, with many viewers tuning in specifically to witness her return to one of the world’s most celebrated stages.

Why This Performance Matters

At a time when many artists of her era have retired or scaled back public performances, Diana Ross’s Times Square medley reminded audiences of her extraordinary resilience and enduring talent.

She stood before a global audience not as a relic of the past, but as a current and compelling artist in her own right.

This sense of continuity — linking Motown’s rich musical tradition to the present — is one reason why Ross’s career endures.

From her early days with The Supremes in the 1960s to her solo career that followed, she has been consistently associated with songs that resonate emotionally, culturally, and socially.

The choice to celebrate the new year with one of her performances was both a nod to her legacy and an affirmation of her ongoing relevance.

Looking Ahead: A Year Begins With Music and Hope

As the Times Square ball dropped and confetti filled the air, Diana Ross stood beside host Ryan Seacrest, waving to the crowd and exchanging warm gestures with spectators and viewers.

Her performance wasn’t simply a celebration of a new calendar year — it was a celebration of a life’s work and an artistic journey that remains vibrantly alive.

In a world where pop culture moves at breakneck speed, the presence of an enduring icon like Diana Ross on one of the biggest live television stages reminds us of the power of music to connect generations.

Her Times Square performance on New Year’s Eve 2025 — ushering in 2026 — was a moment that blended nostalgia, celebration, artistry, and the promise of a year yet to unfold.