Can you believe that we’ll be ringing in 2026 with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen back in their Times Square perch? That’s right! In a dazzling display of confetti, comedy, and star-studded performances, CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live promises to be the ultimate way to kick off the new year, and we are here for it!
The duo is practically synonymous with New Year’s Eve, having hosted this global celebration for nine consecutive years. If you’re not getting a little giddy at the thought of Cooper’s witty charm mixed with Cohen’s playful antics, are you even living? Expect the unexpected as they guide us through an evening filled with laughter and heartfelt moments, all while keeping us connected to celebrations from across the globe.
This year, CNN is not holding back. With coverage starting at 7 AM ET, we’ll get to experience live reports and performances from nearly a dozen cities worldwide. It’s pretty much a mini-Olympics of New Year’s Eve! John Berman and Becky Anderson will be reporting live from Abu Dhabi, while Kristie Lu Stout and Will Ripley keep us entertained from Bangkok. Talk about a world tour without leaving your couch!
Let’s not forget the star-studded lineup of performances that will grace our screens. Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Flo Rida, and Burna Boy are just a few of the artists ready to get the party started. If this isn’t a lineup to jump through hoops for, I don’t know what is. With every segment, you’ll find yourself dancing in your living room, perhaps with a glass of bubbly in hand, as you count down the seconds to midnight.
Speaking of countdowns, the excitement doesn’t stop when the clock strikes twelve. CNN’s own Sara Sidner and Cari Champion will take over to ring in the New Year Central Time style from Austin, Texas. Get ready for live interviews with celebs like Flavor Flav and Ariana Madix—it’s practically a guarantee that hilarity will ensue.
In celebrity news, there’s plenty to keep your gossip meter buzzing. Taylor Frankie Paul made quite the splash at the premiere of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Meanwhile, the music scene is heating up with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, performing at SoFi Stadium in early April. This concert marks a pivotal moment in his carefully curated image rehabilitation, and I can’t help but wonder how his devoted fans are reacting to this new chapter.
And if you want your heartstrings tugged, look no further than Meghan Markle’s stirring speech at the 2025 TIME100 Summit. The Duchess of Sussex continues to reinvent herself as a beacon of inspiration—yes, I just said that! Her words are a reminder of the impact celebrities can have beyond the glitz and glamour.
Let’s switch gears to the world of film! “The Devil Wears Prada 2” premiered with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep gracing the red carpet together. If there’s a movie I’m ready to see, it’s this one! And honestly, who doesn’t want to know what Miranda Priestly is up to in this sequel? I predict it will be a must-watch for anyone who ever craved a slice of fashion pie.
We can’t ignore the music scene either. Christine McVie’s legacy is getting the spotlight it deserves, with tributes echoing her best hits. If you haven’t added her songs to your playlist yet, are you really living? And speaking of legends, Axl Rose just announced he’ll stop tossing his mic after an incident where a fan was injured. It’s a tough call, but perhaps some things are better left in the past.
The anticipation is palpable as we gear up for New Year’s Eve. Grab your party hats and sparkling drinks, because this celebration is going to be one for the history books. Will Cooper and Cohen deliver yet another unforgettable night filled with laughter and tears? Or will the world turn its gaze to the stars who’ll be lighting up our screens?
As we flip the calendar, what are your bold predictions for 2026? Will we see a resurgence in live performances or perhaps a new celebrity power couple emerge? The year is wide open, and it’s going to be a wild ride!
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