NEW YORK-WORLD (SMI-GLOBAL-ENTERTAINMENT JANUARY 01-04, 2026)-The largest-ever Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, "The Constellation Ball" made its historic debut alongside the sensational music performance of two global music artists representing separate generations; legendary and music icon "Diana Ross " and global artist  "Ciara" as part of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, countdown in Times Square, NYC.

The new " The Constellation Ball" is the ninth version of the Times Square New Year's Eve ball since its insertion in 1907. It features 5,280 Waterford circular Crystals and LED light pucks almost double the amount from the previous ball. It measures 12.5 feet in diameter, weighting 12,350 pounds & patriotic U.S. flag colors; red, white, & blue designed for America's 250th anniversary next July 04, 2026,    

The celebration began at 6pm with the ascend of the NYE Constellation Ball illuminated and sent up to the 130-foot pole at One Times square.

US R&B singer & songwriter " Ciara " opened the global festivities with a splash at New Year's Rockin Eve 2026,  singing her single hit " Level Up", known for its high streaming numbers, &  dancing her signature dance moves while setting the crowd in high energy and celebration mode.She followed her performance with her popular track " Low"  featuring Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz and her newest single " Nice n' Sweet" in collaboration with with Nigerian musician Oxlade and Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY.

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Ciara closed-out her performance with a highly entertaining mix of different songs from her global hit "1, 2 Step" and numerous classic songs from her signature album Goodies that set the tone of the global celebration.

Legendary and global music icon " Diana Ross" returned to NYE Times Square Ball Drop since her last performance in 1999, and now at age 81, she still moved the crowd with high energy and mix of her signature hit singles; " I'm coming Out " and "Upside Down " to bring joy and best wishes to the millions of revelers and closed-out the live performance line up and set-up the minute countdown welcoming the New Year 2026.​​​

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" LE SSERAFIM" new sensation South-Korean Girls Group that consist in 5-members:Huh Yunjin, Kim Chaewon, Kazuha, Sakura, and Hong Eunchae has captivated the global youth audience in the K-POP music genre. They performed their hit singles " Spaghetti" and " Crazy " becoming the first K-Pop girl group to perform live at the iconic "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square.​

Grammy-award winning country-music singer & songwriter  "Maren Morris" from Arlington, Texas  known for her eclectic music has been described as country music incorporating R & B, Hip-Hop, and Rock performed several of her hits, including "The Bones," "The Middle," her successful pop-country crossover hot, and "80's Mercedes," plus a song called "Carry Me Through," making a memorable live debut at the iconic NYE "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square.​ ​​​

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" Little Big Town" a country-award winning band performed as well as part of the line -up alongside Ciara, Diana Ross, and Maren Morris performing their two single hits; "Wine, Beer, Whiskey" and "Better Man" setting a major accomplishment for the group at the Iconic Times Square New Year's Rockin' Eve 2026. 

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Outgoing NYC Mayor Eric Adams made his last presentation as a Mayor since his 4-year term ended at 12:00 midnight by pressing the button for the 60' ball-drop count-down to welcome the New Year 2026 and celebrated with the crowd alongside the iconic song " New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra.​

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After millions of Revelers celebrated the New Year 2026 in Times Square , the second ball-drop descended a minute later in celebration off

America Semiquincentennial year with patriotic nonpartisan imagery leading with Ray Charles' inspirational singing of America The Beautiful.

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Article & Photos By Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated

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