Rita Ora and Ryan Seacrest are preparing to welcome 2025 with a vibrant celebration. The celebrated pop star, 34, and the seasoned Emmy-winning TV host, 50, will team up once more as cohosts of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve live from Times Square in New York City on Dec. 31. This marks their second collaboration on the iconic program.
Reflecting on her experience from last year, Ora shares her gratitude for being part of the show. “Having Ryan there gave me so much confidence,” she tells PEOPLE, recalling her debut as a cohost. After their successful 2024 broadcast, Seacrest expresses excitement to reunite with Ora. “She amazed me last year. Her talent was already evident, but hosting this show takes a different skill set,” he remarks.
Unlike some, this pair stays alcohol-free to ensure a smooth performance
Hosting such a high-energy event in the bustling, often chilly, streets of New York requires resilience. Ora recalls the lessons she learned during her first outing: “You can’t overthink it. When the cameras are rolling, you just go with it.”
For Seacrest, who will host the event for the 20th time, experience has taught him practical tips, such as managing water intake and planning quick restroom breaks during extended performances.
Unlike CNN’s Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, who are known for enjoying a drink during their New Year’s Eve broadcast, Ora and Seacrest opt to stay alcohol-free while on-air. “I wouldn’t be able to pull it off if I had even a sip,” Seacrest admits. Ora agrees, sharing a lesson from her own experience: “Drinking before performing just doesn’t work for me.”
This year, Ora will double as both cohost and performer. Excited to be part of a star-studded lineup that includes Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, and TLC, she calls the opportunity “a huge honor.” Supporting her on this memorable night will be her husband, Taika Waititi, who may even share a midnight kiss on camera.
Seacrest, reflecting on his long tenure with the show, humorously acknowledges the changing times. “The technology has advanced faster than I have,” he jokes, recalling early days with oversized blue headphones.
Ora teases him in response, saying, “You haven’t changed a bit—you look fantastic.” Their camaraderie promises another unforgettable night, combining laughter, music, and tradition to ring in the new year.
