New Year’s Eve 2025 promises a star-studded sendoff as major music acts, television specials and live events converge to ring in the new year. USA TODAY’s roundup of performers – from headline concerts and Times Square appearances to network countdown shows and digital livestreams – highlights a cross-genre slate designed to appeal to viewers at home and crowds in the streets. Read on for the full lineup, where to watch each performance and what to expect as performers take the stage to close out 2024 and welcome 2025.
Which stars are performing on New Year Eve and where to watch each broadcast
Major broadcasters and streamers have stacked their New Year’s Eve 2025 rosters with headline acts aimed at every audience. Networks confirmed prime-time specials and late-night countdown sets featuring a mix of pop, hip‑hop, Latin and country stars:
- ABC – Times Square special with Dua Lipa and guest appearances.
- NBC – star-studded variety lineup led by Bruno Mars.
- Telemundo – a Latin music fiesta headlined by Bad Bunny.
- CBS – a more intimate live concert segment featuring Taylor Swift.
- Streaming platforms – late-night DJ sets and exclusive after‑parties on Peacock and Paramount+ with artists like Drake and SZA.
| Performer | Broadcast | Where to stream |
|---|---|---|
| Dua Lipa | ABC – Times Square Special | Hulu Live / ABC App |
| Bruno Mars | NBC – New Year Celebration | Peacock |
| Bad Bunny | Telemundo – Latin Countdown | Telemundo.com / YouTube |
| Taylor Swift | CBS – Live Concert Segment | Paramount+ |
- Tip: Specials begin in the East at 10 p.m. ET; check local listings for delayed West Coast broadcasts and simultaneous streams.
- Note: Lineups are subject to last‑minute changes; follow official network feeds for final set times and encore streams.
Headliners genre trends and breakout acts to watch in the lineup
This year’s marquee names reflect a clear tilt toward cross-genre programming: stadium pop and chart-topping hip-hop still anchor the bill, but electronic producers and alt-country acts are being elevated to headline slots as promoters chase younger, streaming-first audiences. Expect sets that trade rigid genre boundaries for hybrid moments-big-name DJs overlaying rap catalogues, and country stars leaning into synth-driven production-creating a New Year’s tapestry that reads as much like a playlist as a traditional festival bill.
- Aria Vale – indie-pop breakout with viral single
- Metro & Sage – hip-hop duo known for genre-mashing guest features
- Neon Harbor – EDM producer making a mainstream leap
- Maggie Lane – alt-country voice drawing crossover attention
Beyond headliners, keep an eye on curated late-night slots and surprise pairings that often produce the evening’s most talked-about moments; industry watchers say these are where streaming data meets festival chemistry, and where “breakout” status is cemented. Programming choices also signal a push for international and LGBTQ+ artists in high-visibility time slots, suggesting the live circuit is prioritizing cultural reach as much as ticket sales.
- Cross-genre collabs – expect surprise stage cameos and joint-set debuts
- Global acts – non-U.S. artists slotted earlier, positioned for prime-time traction
- Late-night sleepers – smaller acts whose streaming momentum could make them next season’s headliners
Tickets timing streaming tips and how to avoid missing key performances
Plan your purchase windows and lock in alerts: Popular sets sell out fast, so register for artist and venue presales, enable text or app notifications and have payment details ready. Consider time-zone differences for midnight countdowns and use multiple verified channels (official box office, artist fan clubs, and reputable resale platforms) to avoid scams; check refund and transfer policies before completing any transaction to protect yourself from sudden lineup changes.
- Presale codes: save them in your phone’s notes for quick pasting.
- Two devices: use one for checkout and one for payment authentication.
- Calendar reminders: set alerts 24, 2 and 0.5 hours before performance times.
- Backup access: download tickets to your wallet and screenshot QR codes (where permitted).
Stream smart to catch every headline act: test your connection and the streaming app at least 15 minutes before a set, close competing apps and updates, and prefer a wired connection or 5G/strong Wi‑Fi for lower latency. For live TV or pay-per-view streams, enable DVR or local recording when available, follow artists’ social feeds for on-the-fly schedule changes, and assign push notifications to priority acts so you’re alerted the instant they go on.
| Platform | Best practice | Delay risk |
|---|---|---|
| Official Broadcast | Use app + TV feed | Low |
| Pay-Per-View | Pre-purchase & test | Medium |
| Social Clips | Enable notifications | High |
Safety travel and local venue recommendations for New Year Eve plans
City officials are urging travelers to plan around announced road closures and heightened security as crowds swell for year-end festivities. Monitor official transit updates and law-enforcement advisories for real-time changes; anticipate longer screening lines and stagger arrival times to avoid bottlenecks.
- Plan routes: Map alternate public-transit and pedestrian paths in case streets close.
- Verify transit: Check last-train/bus schedules and temporary shuttle services.
- Secure rides: Use marked ride-share zones and confirm driver details before entering vehicles.
- Pack smart: Carry ID, essential medications and a portable phone charger; expect bag checks.
Share your ETA with a trusted contact and follow venue instructions – rapid changes in crowd density can require immediate departures or reroutes.
When selecting a venue, prioritize locations that publish clear entry procedures, crowd-control plans and refund policies; booking through official vendor channels reduces fraud risk.
| Venue Type | Typical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Major public plaza | 10,000+ | Countdown spectacle, fireworks |
| Rooftop bar | 100-500 | Intimate views, reservations required |
| Arena / Resort | 5,000-20,000 | Concerts & full production shows |
Confirm age restrictions and prohibited items before arrival, keep tickets on your phone, and follow local advisories – venues and police often issue last-minute guidance that can affect travel routes and entry points.
Closing Remarks
As fans make plans to ring in New Year’s Eve 2025, the announced lineup offers a mix of headline acts and surprise appearances aimed at diverse audiences. Viewers should check local listings, network and streaming platforms for start times and broadcast details, and follow official artist and event channels for last-minute changes. Organizers warn schedules are subject to change, so stay tuned to USA TODAY and official sources for the latest updates. Whatever your plans, expect a night of high-energy performances as cities and viewers across time zones welcome 2025.
