Mariah Carey, Huntr/X, Post Malone and LE SSERAFIM were among the names bringing in 2026 at this year’s ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ show in New York.
Last night (December 31), the annual extravaganza saw hosts Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora return as a range of major artists played live, both in the central location in Times Square, as well as in Chicago, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico.
Mariah Carey was one of the headline acts, playing her single ‘Obsessed’, from 2009’s ‘Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel’ from Las Vegas.
On location in Times Square were Huntr/X, the trio of Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami that dominated 2025 with their smash hit movie KPop Demon Hunters, the most-watched Netflix film of all time. The real-life singing voice trio of the fictional band played the all-conquering single ‘Golden’ to the huge crowd in attendance.
Other big names included on the show were fellow K-pop stars LE SSERAFIM, as well as Post Malone, 50 Cent, Jess Glynne, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Demi Lovato, Maren Morris, 4 Non Blondes, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic and Goo Goo Dolls.
Check out clips from all of their performances here:
The New Year’s Rockin’ Eve show has been running since 1971 and traditionally includes the annual ball drop in Times Square. Last year, it saw headline performances from Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, TLC and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Huntr/X’s ‘Golden’ has been shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Song, and was recently named the second best K-pop song of 2025 by NME, who noted: “In just a few short months, ‘Golden’ has become a chart-topping phenomenon for the ages and for all ages, while somehow having resisted the curse of being reduced to passing virality. Though it garnered multiple Grammy nominations for 2026, including the coveted Song of the Year, ‘Golden’ doesn’t need awards to prove it has struck gold.”
KPop Demon Hunters was also included in NME’s list of the 50 best films of 2025 – check out the full list here.
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