Top 10 Memorable New Year's Rockin' Eve Moments

Throughout 2014, Australian Iggy Azalea was doing some serious work on the Billboard charts. She released her debut album “The New Classic,” which featured the #1 hit “Fancy,” and rocked it as a featured artist as well, collaborating with the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. It seemed like a no-brainer to have her on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” to close out the year, and did she ever. The glammed up rapper commands the stage with Charli XCX, not at all phased by the spotlight, on point with every minute of airtime. Excuse us while we go learn this choreography.

The host of “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” can only be so many places at once; luckily, actress and Playmate Jenny McCarthy is around to help. On a few occasions, while filming from Times Square, McCarthy has chosen one special guy to be her midnight kiss. For example, to ring in 2012, McCarthy smooched a New York City cop, and the following year, a soldier named Benjamin Moore. You have to give them props for the V-J Day-like smooch, but it’s the moment AFTER that provides some extra entertainment. One year later, Jenny was dating Donnie Wahlberg and memorably laid a big kiss on her future husband – though the camera quickly gave them some privacy!

At only 17 years old, the emerging superstar begins his 2011 New Year’s Eve performance with some important life advice. Sporting his signature bangs under a beanie, this is a more innocent Bieber giving an impressive performance of one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded. It’s an excellent New Years’ moment for young Biebs as he plays the piano in the middle of Times Square – accompanied by rock legend Carlos Santana, making for a great rendition of The Beatles classic.

In 2014, it seemed like there was no stopping One Direction; they released their fourth studio album “Four,” had the highest-grossing concert tour, and were named Billboard’s Artist of the Year. But 2015 would bring with it Zayn Malik’s departure from the group, and the announcement of their hiatus, breaking the hearts of Directioners all over the world. Like true professionals, though, the boys smile it out during their “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” appearance. At the time, it seemed like just another One Direction gig. Looking back, though, it’s one to remember, for sure.

In October 2014, Taylor Swift released “1989,” which quickly climbed the charts and became that year’s best-selling album. It of course made sense to have the superstar close out the year with one of her – and the year’s – signature tunes, which is kind of a perfect choice about letting go of the past and looking ahead towards the future. As usual, Taylor’s an all-star performer, glittering like the New Year’s ball above, and positively slays for her NYC crowd and everyone watching from home.

During the same New Year’s Eve broadcast, Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel showed up to perform her smash hit “Let It Go.” Who doesn’t like that song from “Frozen”? Anyone who’s tried to sing it – or heard someone else try – is probably all too aware of how tough it is to sing. Well, this performance proved that even Elsa herself has her off-days when getting those high notes. Whether it was a fluke, not getting her voice ready enough beforehand, or just the December temperatures, it looks like maybe the cold DID bother her anyway.

Though on the surface this seems like just another stellar performance from the group, this particular one was significant for both Fifth Harmony and Harmonizers everywhere. This appearance marked both their last of 2016, and their last with the original line-up. The group had announced Camila Cabello would be leaving just two weeks prior, so everyone was all too aware of the significance of seeing this quintet sing and dance together one last time. All five women still continued strong in 2017, as Fifth Harmony released their third album, and Cabello tore up charts all over the world with singles like “Havana.”

In 2001, the September 11th attacks changed the course of history. Of course, it also changed the culture of New York City. Many locals bonded in the immediate aftermath, and this connection is on display during the “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” broadcast. Shortly before the final countdown, Dick Clark addresses the tragedy with grace and optimism, as he focuses on the future and all the possibilities of a new year. It’s a genuine moment; one that helped viewers usher in 2002 with a smile.

During this “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” moment, America’s famous songstress looks like a superstar but doesn’t perform like one. The Internet naturally went crazy about Mariah Carey’s bizarre performance. Where do we begin? The painfully awkward silence? The weird interactions with her back-up dancers? Mariah mumbling more than she actually sings? Yikes. Her team later accused Dick Clark Productions of sabotaging the performance, but it’s clear that part of this fail is on Mariah. Even with an flub like this, this diva’s still got serious talent, but probably won’tappear on “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” in the near future.

Ever since 1972, Dick Clark’s name has been attached to New Year’s celebrations. Taking on hosting duties soon after, this iconic anchorman consistently gave viewers across the globe a memorable broadcast to say goodbye to one year and hello to another. Though his appearances were limited after his stroke in 2004, simply the sight of him brought New Year’s cheer to his loyal viewers and collaborators. To ring in 2012, Ryan Seacrest tossed it over to Dick, marking the last midnight countdown he’d give. That April, Dick Clark passed away at age 82. For now, Dick Clark… so long.