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.

You May Also Like

Trump Says UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Will Resign, Wishes Him Well Amid Political Future Speculation

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday in a post on Truth Social…

FBI Offers $25K Reward as Manhunt Intensifies for Kansas City Shooting Spree Suspect Near World Cup Venue

A multi-agency search is intensifying for a 22-year-old man accused of carrying…
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison erupts after being asked about fraud scandal

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Responds Sharply to Questions About Fraud Scandal

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison reacted sharply when questioned about his response…
Rabbi accuses Mamdani of inciting violence, antisemitism during campaign speech

Rabbi Claims Mamdani Campaign Remarks Incited Antisemitism and Violence

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing sharp criticism from Jewish leaders and pro-Israel…
JD Vance arrives in Switzerland to launch talks with Iran on its nuclear program

JD Vance Arrives in Switzerland to Open Talks With Iran on Nuclear Program

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland — U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on…
Trump tears into lefty Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker after bloody weekend in Chicago leaves 5 dead, 22 injured

Trump Blasts Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker After Chicago Weekend Shootings Leave 5 Dead, 22 Injured

President Trump sharply criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Sunday over escalating…
Spencer Pratt reveals what's next after LA mayoral defeat

Spencer Pratt Shares His Next Move After Los Angeles Mayoral Defeat

Spencer Pratt waged an unexpected mayoral challenge against incumbent Los Angeles Mayor…

Six Wounded, Including Children, in Maryland Mass Shooting as Detectives Investigate

Six people, including two children, were injured in an early Saturday shooting…

Off-Duty First Responders Rush to Save Man Overdosing at New York Knicks Parade

NEW YORK CITY — Amid the packed crowds celebrating the champion Knicks,…
World Cup security worker Aaron Avery hit, killed near SoFi Stadium in California, remembered through life-saving organ donation

World Cup Security Worker Aaron Avery Struck and Killed Near SoFi Stadium, Honored Through Organ Donation

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A 22-year-old man who had recently begun working security…
Our Chicago: Joabe Barbosa completes mission to run every street in city

Chicago Runner Joabe Barbosa Completes Mission to Run Every Street in the City

CHICAGO (WLS) — In August 2024, Joabe Barbosa set out on an…
Iowa TV anchor gets choked up as he quits job and journalism — and slams his station

Iowa TV Anchor Breaks Down On-Air as He Quits Journalism and Blasts His Station

An Iowa television anchor became emotional during a live broadcast as he…