Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora are returning to Times Square to co-host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for the second year in a row. The dynamic duo will ring in 2025 live on ABC, marking Seacrest’s 20th year on the show. Ora will also be performing, adding double duty to her hosting responsibilities.
Seacrest expressed his excitement about working with Ora again, praising her talent and ability to handle the demanding live broadcast. He recalled being impressed with her performance last year, emphasizing that hosting the show is no easy feat. Ora shared her gratitude for the opportunity and credited Seacrest for providing her with confidence. She learned from her first experience to “just speak” once the cameras are rolling and not overthink it.
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Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora pose together at Times Square in New York City on December 30, 2024, ahead of their New Year’s Eve hosting duties.
Hosting the six-hour show in the midst of a crowded and often cold Times Square requires stamina and quick thinking. Seacrest shared some of the tricks he’s learned over the years, including strategic bathroom breaks during long musical performances. Both hosts confirmed they will remain sober during the broadcast, prioritizing their performance over celebratory drinks. Ora recounted a previous negative experience with drinking before a performance, emphasizing her commitment to staying focused on the task at hand.
This year’s show promises a star-studded lineup of performers, including Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, TLC, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Megan Moroney in New York City, with additional performances from around the world. Ora is thrilled to be part of the impressive lineup and considers it a significant accomplishment.
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Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora smile for the cameras during a pre-show event at Times Square on December 30, 2024.
Adding to the excitement, Ora’s husband, Taika Waititi, is expected to be present for support and might even make an on-camera appearance for a midnight kiss. Seacrest jokingly suggested a three-way kiss, which Ora playfully dismissed as “boring.” Seacrest also mentioned his longstanding friendship with a Steadicam operator, highlighting the enduring bonds formed over his two decades on the show.
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Taika Waititi and Rita Ora attend an Emmy Awards celebration in September 2024.
Reflecting on his 20-year tenure, Seacrest remarked on how quickly the time has passed, although he acknowledged the technological advancements in broadcasting equipment since his early days. Ora teased him about his ageless appearance, while Seacrest admitted that climbing to the ball drop each year is becoming more challenging.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2025 will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
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Ryan Seacrest prepares for the New Year’s Eve broadcast in Times Square on December 31, 2024.
