Chance the Rapper talks hosting historic Chicago 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' 2025 event

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chance the Rapper recently shared insights with Val Warner about his role in hosting Chicago’s landmark New Year’s Eve celebration happening later this week.

For the first time ever, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” will feature a live countdown from the Windy City.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Hailing from Chicago and a recipient of three Grammy Awards, Chance the Rapper will be at the helm of this national broadcast.

“There’s a lot of responsibility when showcasing a city. We’ve been in numerous production meetings, ensuring that each part of Chicago gets its moment in the spotlight, introducing this global city to the world. Plus, I’m focused on having a blast. It’s going to be an epic night,” he expressed.

Performances by Chance the Rapper, DJ Mike Dunn, DJ Mike P, J. Ivy, and Shemekia Copeland will kick off at 9 p.m. on the main stage, located at the intersection of West Wacker Drive and North Franklin Street in the Loop.

“I believe both our Chicago performers and the audience will be thrilled. This is the world stage, with all eyes on Chicago,” Chance commented.

He will take the stage for his national countdown performance shortly before midnight.

“I’m going to have my host hat on most of the night. I’m going to be interacting with my other co-host and just showing the city to the world. But at the end of the night, I’m going to be performing the song called ‘No More Old Men.’ I truly believe it’s probably the most important song that I’ve written. I think it encapsulates childhood in a way that I haven’t really been able to get across and also manhood in a way that I don’t think it expressed a lot in music,” he said.

There will also be a custom audio-visual presentation projected from ART on THE MART that begins at 7 p.m.

Watch Chance co-host “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” beginning at 7 p.m. on ABC7 Chicago this New Year’s Eve.

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