Sunday night is New Year’s Eve.
As it has done for many years, ABC will celebrate the occasion with “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.”
The special will feature coverage from New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Hollywood.
In support of the Hollywood Party, several of the night’s performers joined ABC’s media team for brief interviews.
A common thread among the interviews concerned the significance of performing at an iconic show — one that has become an integral part of the New Year’s tradition.
Highlights from the interviews follow:
Bebe Rexha
I remember growing up and sitting around the TV [watching] Dick Clark…counting down to the New Year. Thinking about that, and you forget sometimes…wow, I’m here right now…it’s really a dream come true. It’s really exciting. It’s one of those “pinch me” moments.
The best part about performing at New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is that I know that my family will all see it because we’ve been watching it for a very long time…I did it last year, the best thing is getting the phone calls from my aunt, to my uncles, from everywhere in the United States.
G-Eazy
This is a big thing, obviously. I remember growing up as a kid watching this and just always having this dream of doing something in music, wanting to grow up to be a “rock star,” whatever…and one day get to perform on stuff like this. It’s where all the big stars are.
Khalid
I feel like this year has been a very big year of traditions for me, and I’ve been part of so many amazing moments – especially like [NYRE]. It’s crazy that five years down the road this will be part of history because it’s the first time I’ve been performing at New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. So..I’m hype. I’m excited. It’s going to be great.
Hailee Steinfeld
This is my second time being a part of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. It really, truly is such an honor. It’s such an iconic show and to be a part of something that I’ve grown up watching is insane, so I’m incredibly honored and excited to be back this year.
Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line
I think it’s big time to be on that stage, I think it’s a nod of the hat. I think it’s THE place to be for New Year’s. So, we’re blessed as can be. It’s a cool end of the year for us with having songs on Top 40 and country radio. It’s pretty cool to see these songs just hit a big group of people. People come to celebrate, have a good time and let go of everything else — that’s what [NYRE] is about. We’re just happy as can be.
Portugal. The Man
Zach Carothers: It’s pretty crazy to be playing this show…we grew up watching this. I think I’ve seen it every…I don’t remember a New Year’s without it. So, this is pretty heavy for us actually. Pretty insane.
Eric Howk: This was the reason I got to stay up past midnight when I was a kid. And, to all the kids out there watching…wait till 12:01, party hard.