Rita Ora Shares How New Year’s Eve Crowds in Times Square Prepare for the Celebration, While Ryan Seacrest Reflects on His Experience

<img src="https://people.com/thmb/JPRmjIgDxEUvFCutJxHsPxqLih4=/1500×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(693×310:695×312):format(webp)/Rita-Ora-Ryan-Seacrest-123025-0c99642247ce4798a0c24ecdfba22c4e.jpg" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://people.com/thmb/w3Ne5rtvEABYqsI9COyXLFAi2Fk=/750×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(693×310:695×312):format(webp)/Rita-Ora-Ryan-Seacrest-123025-0c99642247ce4798a0c24ecdfba22c4e.jpg 750w" sizes="750px" alt="Rita Ora and Ryan Seacrest at "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026" press junket at the Times Square Ball on December 30, 2025 in New York City, New York." class=" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image–blurry" onload="(function(e){e.classList.add(‘loaded’)})(this)" style="–blurry: url(‘data:image/gif;charset=utf-8;base64,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")">

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora in New York City on Dec. 30, 2025.
Credit :

Kristina Bumphrey/Penske Media via Getty

NEARLY TIME FOR NEW YEAR’S COUNTDOWN

Rita Ora and Ryan Seacrest are gearing up for their third consecutive year as co-hosts of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, set to take place in Times Square on December 31. The event, which features an eight-hour live broadcast, will face particularly frigid temperatures.

The hosts noted that some attendees opt for unconventional methods to endure the long hours in the cold. "They do things you don’t want to see them do because they’re there for that long," Seacrest remarked. "I’m happy I’ve not seen them do those things."

Rita Ora and Ryan Seacrest in New York City on Dec. 30, 2025.

Kristina Bumphrey/Penske Media via Getty

Ora mentioned, "I hear the diaper stories," indicating the lengths some have gone to in order to stay comfortable during the lengthy event. Seacrest echoed this, stating, "I’ve not seen it. I just know it’s happening."

This year’s celebration promises to be historic, marking the longest version of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to date. Attendees can expect performances from notable acts, including Diana Ross, Ciara, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, and Le Sserafim, among others from various locations.

Reflecting on their relationship over the past three years, both hosts have developed a strong rapport. "We have the same sense of humor," Ora said, expressing her excitement about the collaboration. "I’m so happy to be working on this." Seacrest added, "We really have a good time together."

img src="https://people.com/thmb/amv-sH74b8-oXZnTOID-KztkGmg=/4000×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(641×258:643×260):format(webp)/ryan-seacrest-rita-ora-new-years-rockin-eve-new-york-112425-b2ac38bb717a44fcb28d7e77b933ae1e.jpg" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://people.com/thmb/amv-sH74b8-oXZnTOID-KztkGmg=/4000×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(641×258:643×260):format(webp)/ryan-seacrest-rita-ora-new-years-rockin-eve-new-york-112425-b2ac38bb717a44fcb28d7e77b933ae1e.jpg 4000w" data-sizes="4000px" alt="Ryan Seacrest, Rita Ora at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" class="lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image" data-expand="300" id="mntl-sc-block-image_2-0" data-tracking-container="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-click-tracked="true">

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora in New York City in December 2024.

Kristina Bumphrey/Penske Media via Getty

In a lighthearted moment last year, the co-hosts humorously suggested they would both kiss Ora’s husband, director Taika Waititi, at midnight. Seacrest reflected, “One of us did,” while Ora playfully added, “And that was Ryan.”

Looking ahead, Ora plans to join as a judge for the upcoming season of The Masked Singer, following the New Year’s celebration. Seacrest, a veteran host of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, is unfazed by Ora’s burgeoning career in entertainment. "I just have TV in my lane. She does everything else," he said.

"I love working," Ora confirmed with enthusiasm. "Get ready, America, because I’m your favorite Brit!"

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 will air live on December 31 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.