New Year’s Eve is almost here, which means ABC’s annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” broadcast is right around the corner.
Set to commence at 8PM ET on December 31, the broadcast will once again shine the spotlight on three parties: the iconic “ball drop” celebration in Times Square, a central timezone extravaganza in New Orleans, and the Billboard Hollywood concert in Los Angeles.
Ahead of the broadcast, some Hollywood Party performers offered brief “soundbite” interviews regarding the legacy of the show. ABC issued the interviews to Headline Planet, and we compiled some transcripts below:
Lauren Alaina
There are so many amazing artists that have been part of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve — everyone watches New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. I was talking backstage about Mariah Carey being a part of it, and I was like, “I’m doing a show that Mariah Carey’s been a part of.” There are so many examples like that. It’s just a really big moment for me, and I’m super proud and honored to be able to be part of it, and represent women and the females in country music.
The Chainsmokers
Drew: We’ve watched so many amazing artists be a part of the show, and it’s kind of a lot of pressure. I think we have it down, but we could also screw it up, which will be amusing for everyone watching on TV. At least that will be fun for them.
Alex: We wanted to be part of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve because it’s THE thing to be part of on New Year’s Eve. I know I watched it a ton of times growing up; it’s what you leave on television all night long when the ball’s about to drop and afterwards. There are so many great artists that have been part of it, so for us now to be here, getting ready to do it, is pretty exciting.
Bazzi
Being part of the legacy of New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is very nostalgic for me. Growing up, you watch it every single year — it creates community and an event. It’s such a solid memory for everyone. To be a part of people’s memory and to be part of wrapping up 2018 and going into 2019 for most of America is incredible.
Kane Brown
[NYRE] is awesome. I watched the show growing up. I never realized what I was watching; I just saw a bunch of big acts on TV doing their songs. As I got older and in the music industry, I learned what I was watching, and I wanted to be part of it.
I’m excited because I just released an album, and it’s great exposure — I can’t lie. Also, just coming here last time, it was great energy, the fans were having fun, they always decorate the place … it’s awesome. I’m just excited to be here.
Kelsea Ballerini
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has been a part of me and my memories of bringing in a New Year. I’ve always watched it, I’ve always studied the performances. It’s always been a big, celebratory show, so to be a part of it and get to sing my song with The Chainsmokers and my own song to kind of bring in the next year is special and awesome.
I really love being able to represent country. I love being able to go to all-genre events like New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and be a country artist and sing a country song. It’s really fun for me to be able to represent Nashville.
